The Voodoo Gumbo Recipe is bold, rich and full of deep flavor. It is warm, spicy and comforting. This Voodoo Gumbo Recipe brings together sausage, chicken and shrimp in one pot.
The dark roux gives it a smoky taste. If you want to learn how to make Voodoo Gumbo at home, you are in the right place.
Today, I will share the ingredients for Voodoo Gumbo and guide you step by step in the easiest way.
Why I Love Making This Voodoo Gumbo
The first time I made gumbo, I was nervous about the roux. It looked simple but needed patience. When it turned deep brown, I felt proud.
The smell was nutty and rich. This Voodoo Gumbo Recipe feels special because it takes time and love.
It fills the house with amazing aroma. My family gathers around the kitchen when it cooks. It feels like a celebration in one pot.
Equipment List
- Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Voodoo Gumbo Recipe
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Louisiana Cajun
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Voodoo Gumbo
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 200g smoked sausage, sliced
- 200g shrimp, peeled and cleaned
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (400g)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the Roux
Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add flour slowly while stirring. Keep stirring constantly for 10–15 minutes. The mixture will turn deep brown. Do not stop stirring. This creates rich flavor.
2. Add the Holy Trinity
Add chopped onion, bell pepper and celery into the roux. Stir well. Cook for five minutes until vegetables soften. This combination builds the base of the gumbo.
3. Add Garlic and Spices
Add minced garlic and cook for one minute. Sprinkle paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning and black pepper. Stir well to coat vegetables evenly. The aroma will become stronger.
4. Add Sausage and Chicken
Add sliced sausage and shredded chicken into the pot. Stir everything together. Let them cook for five minutes. The flavors begin to blend nicely.
5. Pour in Broth and Tomatoes
Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Add diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Shrimp at the End
Add shrimp during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking. Shrimp cooks quickly. Overcooking makes it rubbery. Stir gently until shrimp turns pink.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the gumbo carefully. Add salt if needed. If you prefer more spice, add extra Cajun seasoning. Adjust to your liking.
8. Serve with Rice
Place warm cooked rice into bowls. Spoon gumbo over the rice generously. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful.
Read More: North Italia Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Recipe
Expert Tips & Variations
- Stir roux constantly to avoid burning.
- Use a heavy pot for even heat.
- Add okra for traditional texture.
- Use crab instead of shrimp if preferred.
- Adjust spice level carefully.
- Let gumbo rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Gumbo tastes even better the next day.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Gumbo comes from Louisiana. It blends French, African, and Spanish influences. The word “gumbo” comes from an African word for okra. Roux is a French cooking technique.
Over time, people created many versions. Some use seafood only. Others use chicken and sausage. Each family has its own special twist.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
Voodoo Gumbo pairs perfectly with steamed white rice. Cornbread is another great side.
A simple green salad balances the richness. I also love serving it with crusty bread. Fresh lemonade or iced tea complements the spices nicely.
Occasion or Event Ideas
This gumbo is perfect for family dinners. It works well for weekend gatherings. Serve it during game nights or holidays. It feeds many people easily. I love making it when friends visit. It always impresses them.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
- Keep for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stove over low heat.
- Add a little broth if too thick.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Health Benefits
This Voodoo Gumbo Recipe offers protein from chicken and shrimp. Vegetables add fiber and vitamins. Tomatoes provide antioxidants.
Using moderate oil keeps balance. When served with rice, it becomes a filling meal. Enjoying balanced portions keeps it nourishing.
Voodoo Gumbo Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 celery sticks chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 200 g smoked sausage sliced
- 200 g shrimp peeled and cleaned
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 400g
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Make the Roux
- Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add flour slowly while stirring. Keep stirring constantly for 10–15 minutes. The mixture will turn deep brown. Do not stop stirring. This creates rich flavor.
Add the Holy Trinity
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper and celery into the roux. Stir well. Cook for five minutes until vegetables soften. This combination builds the base of the gumbo.
Add Garlic and Spices
- Add minced garlic and cook for one minute. Sprinkle paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Stir well to coat vegetables evenly. The aroma will become stronger.
Add Sausage and Chicken
- Add sliced sausage and shredded chicken into the pot. Stir everything together. Let them cook for five minutes. The flavors begin to blend nicely.
Pour in Broth and Tomatoes
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Add diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Shrimp at the End
- Add shrimp during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking. Shrimp cooks quickly. Overcooking makes it rubbery. Stir gently until shrimp turns pink.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the gumbo carefully. Add salt if needed. If you prefer more spice, add extra Cajun seasoning. Adjust to your liking.
Serve with Rice
- Place warm cooked rice into bowls. Spoon gumbo over the rice generously. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful.
Notes
- Stir roux constantly to avoid burning.
- Use a heavy pot for even heat.
- Add okra for traditional texture.
- Use crab instead of shrimp if preferred.
- Adjust spice level carefully.
- Let gumbo rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Gumbo tastes even better the next day.
FAQs about Voodoo Gumbo Recipe
Why is my roux too light?
A light roux means it needs more cooking time. Keep stirring until it turns deep brown. Be careful not to burn it. Patience is very important.
Can I make Voodoo Gumbo without shrimp?
Yes, you can skip shrimp. Add more chicken or sausage instead. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
How to make Voodoo Gumbo thicker?
Cook uncovered for extra time to reduce liquid. Adding okra also thickens naturally. Do not add too much flour later.
Is gumbo very spicy?
It can be mild or spicy. Adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat. Start small and add more if needed.
Can I prepare gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, gumbo tastes better the next day. Flavors deepen overnight. Store properly and reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Voodoo Gumbo Recipe is bold, comforting and full of deep flavor. Now you know how to make Voodoo Gumbo at home easily. Gather the ingredients for Voodoo Gumbo and try it soon.
The rich roux and tender meats create magic in every bowl. One warm serving brings comfort and happiness to your table.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.