- Tomato Paste (Enhances Depth of Flavor; Can Be Adjusted According to Taste)
- Cayenne Pepper (Heat for Authentic Creole Cooking)
- Smoked Paprika (Smoky and Rich in Flavor)
- Thyme (Herb for Aromatics and Flavor Enhancement)
- Filé Powder (Traditional Thickener Used in Gumbo Recipes)
- Salt and Black Pepper (Seasoning to Taste)
Keywords:
- Duck Sausage
- Shrimp Gumbo
- Andouille Sausage
- Holy Trinity Vegetables
- Thyme
- Cayenne Pepper
- Smoked Paprika
- Filé Powder
Steps
### Chef John's Duck Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo Recipe: A Flavorful Delight
#### Ingredients:
- 2 lbs duck sausage (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell peppers
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or duck fat
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (optional)
#### Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prep the Ingredients:**
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients as listed above. Make sure you have enough space to chop onions, celery, and bell peppers finely.
- Set aside both the duck sausage and shrimp, keeping them at room temperature if possible.
2. **Cook the Sausage:**
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or duck fat. Once hot, carefully slice the duck sausages into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. **Sauté Vegetables:**
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil or fat if needed. Sauté the diced onions, celery, and green bell peppers until they are soft and translucent (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in the all-purpose flour to coat the vegetables evenly. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. **Add Broth and Seasonings:**
- Pour in the chicken broth and whisk it well with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming.
- Return the sausages to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Add thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
5. **Simmer the Gumbo:**
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
- Meanwhile, prepare your shrimp by seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper.
6. **Add Shrimp and Cook:**
- Once the gumbo has been simmering for 20-30 minutes (or as it thickens to your liking), add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the bay leaf before serving, or you can leave it in if you prefer.
7. **Serve with Rice:**
- Serve the gumbo hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
- For a complete meal, serve over cooked rice for a heartier dish.
### Tips and Variations:
- To enhance flavor, use homemade duck stock instead of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Experiment with different types of sausages like Andouille or smoked sausage to vary the taste.
- Adjust spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious and aromatic Chef John's Duck Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo that is perfect for any special occasion. Enjoy!