Classic chicken gumbo from tony burke

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsVegetable shortening
2tablespoonsFlour,all-purpose
2Onions,finely chopped
1Green bell pepper,fine chop
5cupsWarm chicken broth
8Tomatoes,peeled/chopped
½poundsOkra,cut into 1/4\" pieces
½cupUncooked rice
2Ribs celery,chopped
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonPepper
¼teaspoonThyme
1Bay leaf
1Broiler-fryer chicken,cooked

Directions

1. In large Dutch oven, melt shortening over low heat; add flour and cook, stirring, until brown, about 10 minutes (do not hurry; if flour burns, roux is ruined).

2. Add onions and bell pepper; cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Slowly add warm broth; stir until broth reaches a boil.

4. Add tomatoes, okra, rice, celery, salt, pepper, thyme and bay leaf; bring to a boil.

5. Add chicken; when mixture boils again, reduce heat to low, cover and cook about 20 minutes.

6. Stir and cook, covered, 20 minutes longer.