Imagine a cozy evening where the rich, bold flavors of Louisiana dance right in your kitchen, without needing to feed an entire crowd. This "Dinner for Two" gumbo is your express ticket to Cajun culinary romance - a compact pot of pure comfort that promises restaurant-quality taste with minimal fuss. Whether you're planning a date night or simply craving an authentic Southern experience, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a soul-warming masterpiece that'll make your taste buds sing and your kitchen smell like a New Orleans dream.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon gumbo seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle gumbo seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromatics.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Return the browned sausage to the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink and are just opaque.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally over a small portion of steamed rice, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- • The secret to deep flavor is patience during sautéing. Take time to brown your sausage and caramelize your vegetables. • Use fresh shrimp if possible - it makes a significant difference in taste and texture. • Don't rush the simmering process; low and slow allows flavors to develop fully. • For an extra authentic touch, consider making your own gumbo seasoning blend. • If you prefer a thicker gumbo, you can create a quick roux by adding a tablespoon of flour when sautéing vegetables. • Serve with a small portion of rice to soak up those incredible flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 220mg
