Spicy Weekend Gumbo with Shrimp and Sausage

—Not On Website, Soup

Ingredients

For the Base:

a quick swish of olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

2 hot peppers like serrano or jalapeño, minced

4 cups mirepoix*

2 cups additional chopped veggies (optional)

3 tablespoons cajun seasoning mix

1 28-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

12 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced

1 lb. raw tail-off shrimp

For the Roux:

6 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup flour

2 cups milk or chicken broth

heavy pinch of salt

Directions

VEGETABLES: Heat the oil in a big, deep pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, hot peppers, mirepoix, and vegetables. Saute for 10 minutes or so until it’s all soft and fragrant.

BASE: Add the tomatoes, broth, and spices. Bring to a low boil; reduce heat and simmer for an hour or so for the best flavor.

ROUX: Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and let it all bubble in the pan for a few minutes. Add the milk or broth a little bit at a time, whisking to incorporate it and make it smooth. Season with salt.

FINISH: Add the roux to the gumbo pot and stir to combine. Simmer for a little longer over low heat or just let it all hang out for a while to help the flavor develop. Stir in the sausage and raw shrimp. When shrimp is pink (fully cooked), stir in a handful of chives and serve over brown rice, red quinoa, white rice, or just by itself. It’s that good. Remember: make sure to season with salt! This will vary per individual recipe based on your cajun seasoning mix.