Print

Green Gumbo with Smoked Sausage Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

This hearty Green Gumbo with Smoked Sausage is a flavorful, soul-warming dish that combines a variety of nutrient-rich greens with tender meats and classic Cajun seasonings. Perfect for a comforting meal, this gumbo simmers to develop deep, robust flavors enhanced with the smoky profile of andouille sausage, beef, chicken, and ham. It’s traditionally served over white rice for a fulfilling experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Greens

  • 16 cups chopped greens (collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, kale, spinach, cabbage, romaine, beet greens, carrot tops, dandelion greens, arugula, lacianto kale, flat-leaf parsley, Swiss chard)

Meats

  • ½ pound cubed beef stew meat or pork shoulder
  • ½ pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 14 ounces smoked andouille sausage, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
  • ½ pound smoked ham, cubed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and diced
  • 5 green onions, both white and green parts, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon filé powder, plus more for topping if desired

Liquids

  • Approximately 8 cups water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Greens: Thoroughly wash all the greens in cool water to remove grit and dirt. Set them aside to drain while preparing the gumbo base.
  2. Brown the Meats: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed beef and chicken pieces. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is just browned.
  3. Add Smoked Sausage and Ham: Add the sliced smoked andouille sausage and cubed smoked ham to the pot. Cook for another 5–6 minutes until lightly browned and the aromas are released.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the chopped celery, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Cook slowly for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften and become translucent.
  5. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release flavor. Next, add the flour, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously to develop a slightly thickened base. Do not add filé powder at this stage.
  6. Add Greens and Water: Add about one-third of the washed and trimmed greens to the pot. Pour in enough water to just cover the greens. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. As the greens wilt and sink, gently push them down with a spoon into the liquid.
  7. Incorporate Remaining Greens: Continue adding the remaining greens in handfuls, allowing each batch to wilt before adding more. Once all greens are incorporated and have wilted, stir to combine, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  8. Simmer the Gumbo: Add the bay leaves, cover the pot, and let simmer for 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and check seasoning. The greens should be tender, and the gumbo flavors well developed.
  9. Finish with Filé Powder: Remove from heat and stir in the filé powder to slightly thicken the gumbo and add its distinctive earthy flavor. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  10. Serve: Ladle the gumbo hot over freshly cooked white rice and enjoy.

Notes

  • Filé powder is a traditional Cajun thickening and flavoring agent made from dried sassafras leaves; add it at the end to avoid thickening too much during cooking.
  • Use a mix of greens to add depth of flavor and variety in texture.
  • Simmering time can be adjusted; longer simmering deepens flavor but greens should remain tender.
  • Optional: garnish with additional filé powder or chopped green onions when serving.
  • This dish pairs excellently with white rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Keywords: green gumbo, smoked sausage gumbo, cajun greens stew, southern gumbo recipe, healthy gumbo, collard greens gumbo

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/green-gumbo-with-smoked-sausage-recipe/