Smoked Chicken & Pepperoni Gumbo

Directions

Prepare vegetables. Cut half in larger hunks (½ inch) and cut rest in fine chop (or use food processor).

If you do not have smoked chicken, you may get away with using a small amount of liquid smoke.

Using cast iron dutch oven, take the large cut onions and singe them over medium high heat in the dry pan for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly.

Then add the rest of the vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes more on medium heat, stirring frequently.

Then add spice mixture and stir to incorporate.

Stir in about 2 tablespoon dry roux.

Add the broth and the pepperoni slices.

Turn heat down to medium low and simmer for at least ½ hour or until vegetables are tender and flavors are merged.

About 5 minutes before serving, add the chunks of chicken breasts to the mixture.

At the same time, add more roux to thicken if desired.

Serve in bowl over lots of rice.

For additional smoke flavor, wrap the chicken bones and skin in cheese cloth and place in the mixture at the same time as the pepperoni.

Remove all the bones and all the skin before stirring in the chicken pieces.