Begin by creating a roux: heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour and stir constantly until the mixture turns a deep brown, about 15-20 minutes. This adds a fantastic depth of flavor to your gumbo.
Once the roux is ready, add the chopped bell pepper, celery, and onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its fragrance.
Stir in the andouille sausage and chicken thighs, letting them brown slightly for 5 minutes. Then, pour in the chicken stock, followed by the creole seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a simmer.
Add the sliced okra and hot sauce to the pot. Let it simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Remove the bay leaf before serving the gumbo over a scoop of warm rice. Finish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch and enjoy your delightful bowl of gumbo!
Notes
This gumbo recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste—feel free to add shrimp or different spices!