Quick and Delicious: Cooking Gumbo Using Jarred Roux

Looking for a way to enjoy the rich and hearty flavors of gumbo without spending hours in the kitchen? Cooking gumbo with a jarred roux can be a convenient and tasty alternative. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process and provide you with a smooth and flavorful gumbo, no roux preparation required. Whether you're hosting a last-minute dinner or just want a quick meal, this recipe is perfect for your needs. Let's dive in!

Ingredients

1 jar of roux (about 16 oz, either dark or light) 1 pound of protein (chicken sausage, shrimp, or a mix) 1 medium onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 2-3 stalks of celery, chopped 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced 6-8 cups of chicken or seafood stock 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes (optional) 2-3 bay leaves 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun or Creole seasoning (adjust to taste) Salt and pepper to taste 2-3 green onions, sliced for garnish 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Cooked rice (for serving)

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Using a sharp knife, if you're using meat, cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Brown the Protein

Heat a bit of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your protein (chicken sausage, shrimp, etc.) and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for a few minutes until softened.

Add the Roux

Stir in the jarred roux, mixing well with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Add Stock and Seasonings

Gradually pour in the stock while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Add the diced tomatoes (if using), bay leaves, and Cajun or Creole seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Return the Protein

Add the browned protein back to the pot. Reduce heat to low and let the gumbo simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can simmer longer for a more robust flavor.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the gumbo and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning as needed.

Serve

Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve the gumbo over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.

Tips for a Perfect Gumbo

Protein Options: Mix and match proteins. Traditional gumbo often includes a combination of chicken sausage and seafood. Thickening: If you prefer a thicker gumbo, you can add more roux or let it simmer longer to reduce. Heat Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.

Enjoy your delicious and quick-to-make gumbo! This method not only saves time but also ensures a rich flavor without the hassle of making roux from scratch. Whether you’re a gumbo expert or a beginner, this recipe is sure to please!