Cajun Gumbo – The Ultimate Comfort Food with Creole Flavor

Hearty, bold, and brimming with deep Southern flavor, Cajun Gumbo is a one-pot wonder that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. This lightened version delivers all the soul of the traditional dish—spicy sausage, tender chicken, rich broth, and okra—while using simple, balanced ingredients that make it perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Cajun Flavor: A rich, spicy broth infused with smoky sausage and Cajun seasoning.
Lighter Ingredients: Made with lean meats and low-oil roux for a more balanced bowl.
One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup with just one pot to manage.
Comfort Food That Warms: Perfect for cozy evenings or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 oz lean turkey sausage or chicken sausage, sliced
• 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 ½ cups okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked brown rice (for serving)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Make a Light Roux

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and stir continuously for 3–4 minutes until it becomes light brown and smells nutty.

Sauté the Vegetables

• Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux.
• Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Brown the Meats

• Add sliced sausage and chicken to the pot.
• Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and sausage is browned.

Simmer the Gumbo

• Stir in okra, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the gumbo thickens slightly and flavors meld.

Serve

• Remove bay leaf.
• Ladle gumbo into bowls over 1/3 cup of cooked brown rice.
• Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 310 | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 11g | Protein: 28g | Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Roux: Even a small amount adds rich flavor and depth to the gumbo.
• Adjust the Heat: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like it spicier.
• Use What You Have: Shrimp can be added or substituted for chicken in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Pre-Cooked Rice Saves Time: Use ready-to-serve brown rice to cut down on prep.

Why This Recipe Works

• Full of Flavor, Not Fat: A small roux and lean proteins give you richness without heaviness.
• Balanced One-Bowl Meal: Includes protein, veggies, and whole grains all in one.
• Great for Leftovers: Flavors deepen after a day, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Authentic Feel, Simple Method: Classic Cajun flavor made approachable for everyday cooking.

Cajun Gumbo is the kind of dish that satisfies the soul. Spicy, savory, and comforting, it’s everything you want in a hearty meal—with a few smart tweaks to make it a lighter choice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this bowl of Southern comfort is a delicious, easy win.