This Spicy Turkey Gumbo Recipe combines smoky andouille sausage, tender turkey, and a flavorful blend of spices for a hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring an easy oven-baked roux, this gumbo is packed with bold flavors and creamy textures. Whether you’re using leftover holiday turkey or fresh poultry, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Key Ingredients for Spicy Turkey Gumbo
This recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients to create the ultimate homemade gumbo:
- Roux: Made with all-purpose flour and avocado oil, this roux gives the gumbo its rich, creamy texture.
- Andouille sausage: Adds smoky, spicy depth to the dish.
- Vegetables: Onions, green bell peppers, and celery provide a classic gumbo base.
- Spices: A blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne creates the perfect level of heat.
- Cooked turkey: Perfect for using up holiday leftovers or fresh turkey meat.
- Turkey or chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the gumbo.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and green onions add brightness and freshness to the final dish.
Step-by-Step Directions for Spicy Turkey Gumbo
Follow these steps to create a delicious, flavorful turkey gumbo:
Step 1: Prepare the Roux
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small baking dish, mix ¾ cup all-purpose flour with ½ cup avocado oil until smooth. Bake the roux in the oven, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep caramel color (60-90 minutes). Once ready, stir well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the andouille sausage and cook for a few minutes, stirring until lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onions and 2 teaspoons kosher salt to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the green bell pepper, sliced celery, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and develop some color.
Step 4: Build the Gumbo Base
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir until the flour starts to toast and stick to the pot (about 4 minutes). Stir in the prepared roux, ensuring everything is well combined. Gradually add the 8 cups turkey or chicken broth, stirring to incorporate. Add the browned sausage back to the pot.
Step 5: Simmer and Add Turkey
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Add the cooked turkey and continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes. Skim any excess fat from the surface as needed.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Let the gumbo cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the gumbo into bowls and top with a scoop of white rice. Garnish with additional parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips for the Best Turkey Gumbo
- Don’t rush the roux: The deep caramel color of the roux is key to the flavor and texture of the gumbo.
- Customize the heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and green onions add a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
- Make it ahead: Gumbo tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop over time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Substitute cooked chicken for turkey in equal amounts.
What can I use if I don’t have andouille sausage?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa makes a great alternative.
Can I freeze leftover gumbo?
Absolutely! Let the gumbo cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat gumbo?
Reheat gumbo gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 474
- Total Fat: 29g (37% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 6g (28% DV)
- Cholesterol: 108mg (36% DV)
- Sodium: 1578mg (69% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 20g (7% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 32g (65% DV)
- Vitamin C: 20mg (22% DV)
- Calcium: 56mg (4% DV)
- Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
- Potassium: 604mg (13% DV)
Conclusion
This Spicy Turkey Gumbo Recipe is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey. With its rich, smoky broth, tender turkey, and bold spices, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Southern dish!