This Spicy Turkey Gumbo is a warm and tasty dish filled with tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and a kick of spice. It’s perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings!
If you like a little heat, you’ll love this gumbo! I always make extra because it tastes even better the next day. Grab some bread for dipping and enjoy every spoonful! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This helps make the roux, but you can use olive oil or canola oil if you prefer. Just avoid strong oils like sesame as they could alter the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: If you’re gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Just keep in mind that the roux might change slightly in taste and texture.
Turkey: I love using leftover turkey for this recipe. It’s super tasty, but shredded chicken or even beans for a vegetarian option will work too.
Smoked Sausage: Andouille is traditional but any smoked sausage will do. For a milder version, turkey sausage is a great substitute!
How Do You Make a Perfect Roux Without Burning It?
A roux is the base for your gumbo and it’s important to get it right. It gives flavor and thickness. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Heat your pot over medium heat before adding oil.
- Slowly whisk in the flour to combine. Keep stirring constantly!
- Cook until it turns a deep golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. If it starts to smell burnt, you might need to start over.
The key is patience; don’t rush it and keep stirring for even color. Enjoy your gumbo!
How to Make Spicy Turkey Gumbo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gumbo:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cooked turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup smoked sausage (such as andouille), sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Turkey Gumbo will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40-50 minutes to cook. So in total, allow around 1 hour for cooking and simmering before serving. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Roux:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully whisk in the flour to create a roux. Stir continuously until the roux turns a deep golden brown color, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to watch it closely, as you don’t want to burn it!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables soften up a bit, which should take about 5 minutes. This step brings out the flavors and adds a lovely aroma!
3. Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. This will really kick off the yummy smells in your kitchen!
4. Add the Turkey and Sausage:
Now it’s time to add the cooked turkey pieces and the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Stir everything together to combine all those delicious flavors.
5. Incorporate the Liquids:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the broth. Give it a good stir to mix everything well. This will create your flavorful base!
6. Season the Gumbo:
Add the bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir again to evenly distribute the spices throughout the gumbo.
7. Simmer the Gumbo:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally—this is where the magic happens, and the flavors meld together beautifully!
8. Final Touches:
Once it’s thickened slightly and smells amazing, remember to remove the bay leaves before serving!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the gumbo hot over a scoop of cooked white rice and sprinkle with sliced green onions for that fresh crunch. Don’t forget some crusty bread or cornbread on the side!
Enjoy every spoonful of your hearty spicy turkey gumbo!
Can I Use Raw Turkey Instead of Cooked?
Yes, you can use raw turkey! Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot before the liquid ingredients. Make sure to simmer until the turkey is fully cooked, which may take slightly longer than the original recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
If you’d like to reduce the heat, simply decrease the cayenne pepper to a pinch or omit it altogether. You can also use mild sausage instead of smoked sausage or try adding a splash of cream to balance out the spiciness at the end!
Can I Freeze Leftover Gumbo?
Absolutely! Allow the gumbo to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave.
What Should I Serve With This Gumbo?
Gumbo pairs beautifully with white rice, crusty bread, or cornbread. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or some sautéed greens for a complete meal!