SAUSAGE and CHICKEN GUMBO

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup flour separated
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper omit if you prefer flakes use them
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp thyme 
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 6 uncooked chicken thighs boneless
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups chopped onion or scallions
• 1 1/2 cups chopped bell pepper I use red and 1 green 
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
• While you’re cutting the veggies let the chicken cook
• Season the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning and cook for 5 minutes on each side in vegetable oil.
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 lb sausage Andouille or Smoked sausage 
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups cooked rice to serve
• If you are adding shrimp or crab legs, do not over cook. Add them at the last 10 minutes of cooking time.

Instructions

1. Mix 1/4 cup flour with seasonings and then toss with 
   chicken until the cubes are well coated.
   
   
2. Saute chicken in a large skillet with a little oil until browned. Drain and set aside. Brown sausage and cut into slices.
3. Now you will make the "roux". In a heavy saucepan over low to medium heat add 1/2 cup olive oil. When its hot, start adding the 1/2 cup of flour, whisking it smooth. As the roux cooks you will see the color darken to a chocolate brown . You want it to become a medium brown color. Do not stop stirring and do not walk away. This is a 12 minute process. See note at the bottom 
4. Remove roux from heat and add chopped vegetables. Return to heat and cook 5 mins.
5. Slowly add chicken broth, stir until well blended. Bring to boil and add chicken, sausage and garlic.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes one you have  added all of the meat . 
7. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve over rice and with Tabasco sauce! If you are adding shrimp add at the last 10 minutes of cooking 
   
   
   For the roux you can also make it in the microwave by adding the flour and oil together, mix well and put it in a microwave safe bowl and microwave 3 minutes at a time until browned like caramel. Stir each time. You can use any kind of oil.