This is a lighter version of the traditional gumbo that still has all the hot, spicy flavors intact that will have you wanting to make this again and again. I used organic turkey sausage instead of the Andouille sausage that they use in the New Orleans recipe. I don’t eat pork and I hate to break this to you, folks, but Andouille contains the gastrointestinal system of the pig – enough said! lol. I love to experiment with food but organs and such are out for me. 
I was dancing and singing in the kitchen while I made this because I knew I was in for a special dinner. You know that a dish is always enhanced with fresh herbs so please use them in this dish unless there is a snowstorm and you live 40 miles from your market…and only then! I added okra to this and you’ll want to as well for it’s nutritional value. It is a rich source of dietary fibre and has no saturated fat or cholesterol. It is also a good source of Vitamins A, C and K and the minerals calcium, iron and manganese. 
I used orzo because it’s also low in fat and a good source of protein and iron and I had a craving for some pasta. If you want to stretch your dollar and the size of this meal for a big family, you can add brown rice, barley, couscous, farro, or quinoa. Most cooks add rice but I like it all on it’s own as well.
You can use chicken breasts, thighs or legs. I generally use the dark meat in stews and soups but chicken breasts were on for half price so it was a no brainer. Don’t be shy about asking your butcher to cut your meat into 3/4 inch pieces for you. It saves so much time and clean up. I love this dish – an easy, healthy, comfort-food that is even better the next day. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well. Keep in mind that I love to share readers’ dishes so if you make this, snap a pic and I’ll post it on Twitter and Instagram. Cheers!
Update: Today, my cousin Jane sent me her version of this recipe. She added shrimp and said the spices were just right. She sent this from the cabin and I’m cracking up over the ‘Weekend Waterford’ glasses, ha! Looks delicious, Janey! 
- 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 1 lb turkey or chicken sausage (organic if possible)
- 1 lb chicken, cut into 1/2′ or 3/4′ pieces. Breasts, legs, or thighs are fine.(organic if possible)
- 2 tablespoons quinoa flour
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped and diced
- 1 green pepper, diced. (I left this out because I’m not a fan but the traditional version has it)
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 10 ounce bag frozen okra
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 28 ounce can of low sodium fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1/2 cup orzo
- salt and pepper to taste
- green onions for garnish
- handful of fresh thyme and oregano for garnish
- Note: You can cook the rice or orzo separately and add it later or you can add it to the dish while cooking – your choice.
- Cut sausage into 1 inch pieces and brown in medium pan. Set aside on paper towel.
- Heat oil over medium heat and whisk in flour and continue whisking until light, golden brown – 3-4 minutes.
- Add onion, celery, pepper until softened – about 5 minutes.
- Add okra, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper, cayenne, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and orzo. Cover and cook for 8 minutes.
- Add broth and sausage and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add chicken and cook until just done – 5-7 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
- Garnish with green onions and fresh herbs.
43 Comments
Marie
September 18, 2014 at 8:13 amRobyn, this looks so delicious! I use turkey sausage quite often when a recipe calls for sausage. Your pictures are gorgeous too! Putting this on my list of things to make when it slows down here a little. My garden is overflowing right now and I’m just trying to keep up with it and stock my freezer. Definitely pinning this. Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Robyn
September 18, 2014 at 1:25 pmThanks so much, Marie. This I the first time I’ve made gumbo and I just loved it! Oh, I bet you have lots of work ahead of you! lol. Thanks for the pin and the visit!
Robyn recently posted…Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Stephanie
September 18, 2014 at 8:17 amOh Robyn, I wish I could reach into the computer screen and try this – what a delicious looking meal! And your photography is stunning!
Enjoy your day, dear friend!
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Robyn
September 18, 2014 at 1:26 pmThank, Stephanie, I had a feeling this recipe would be right up your alley. I loved our fried peach hand pies – gorgeous!
Christin @ Blue Crab Martini
September 18, 2014 at 8:49 amI saw the post yesterday when it was just pictures… I thought you were trying to tease us bc the food looked soooooooo good but there was not recipe! Glad the tech issues are straightened out and you were able to share this with us today 🙂 As always beautiful photos and amazing food!!
Christin @ Blue Crab Martini recently posted…Garden Bean & Red Potato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Robyn
September 18, 2014 at 1:28 pmLOL, honestly, Christin, these blog and computer glitches can drive you crazy! Thanks so much for your sweet compliments! I’m headed over to check out that salad of yours!
Robyn recently posted…Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Robyn
September 18, 2014 at 1:30 pmLOL, Honestly, Christin, these blog and computer glitches can drive a person crazy! Thanks so much for your patience and very sweet compliments! Now I’m headed over to check out that salad of yours. 🙂
Linda
September 18, 2014 at 10:00 amRobyn, such a wonderful dish for fall weather. Hearty, healthy and so full of lovely ingredients. I shall be making this soon. I love that your were dancing and singing…LOL Keep smiling my friend. Lots of love from WW. xoxo
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Robyn
September 18, 2014 at 1:31 pmLOL, nothing like dancing and singing while you cook, my friend. So glad you like the recipe. Hope to talk soon, sweet lady. xoxo
cheri
September 18, 2014 at 10:06 amHi Robyn, so glad your tech problems are starting to wind down that is always so stressful, love how you lightened up this recipe and the addition of okra sounds wonderful. Happy Thursday to you.
cheri recently posted…Updated Tuna Casserole
Robyn
September 18, 2014 at 1:32 pmThanks so much, Cheri. I really liked the okra in it for a change. I’ve got to check out your tuna casserole – that was my favourite dish as a kid!
La Contessa
September 18, 2014 at 10:22 amI was not able to comment a week or so ago I hope your received my email stating I made the chicken with the grapes!DELICIOUS!!
Thank You for your lovely comment over on me!
La Contessa recently posted…AXEL VERVOORDT……..the COUNT ……and me!
Robyn
September 18, 2014 at 1:33 pmSo sorry about the tech issues lately, Contessa. Hopefully they are fixed now. I didn’t get an email but I saw a comment on another post from you. So glad you enjoyed the dish! Thanks for your visit.
Anita Rivera
September 18, 2014 at 5:18 pmGood afternoon Robyn!
Now I can see the text! And the recipe is a treasure with all these healthy ingredients! So sorry you had such technical difficulties, but all is well now.
Fall is coming; we have gorgeous colors on the trees but the weather still feels like summer, which is great, but with all the great ideas for fall décor and meal planning, I’m a bit anxious to start!
Hugs to you my friend! Anita
Robyn
September 19, 2014 at 10:43 amLOL, what a crazy couple weeks it’s been with these tech issues, Anita! I’m glad you’re here and you enjoyed the post.
Isn’t Fall the best? Perfect weather, gorgeous colours – I love it!
Enjoy your weekend, friend. xxo
Robyn recently posted…Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Mindy
September 18, 2014 at 6:30 pmSinging in the kitchen – such a good thing : ) Sorry about your tech problems but it appears you are back in business!
Mindy recently posted…Remembering and celebrating: September Sixth
Robyn
September 19, 2014 at 10:44 amLOL, I like to put on some great music and rock out in the kitchen while I’m cooking, Mindy. It helps fulfil my fantasy of becoming a rockstar!
Thanks for visiting. I always look forward to your comments! Have a wonderful weekend.
Robyn recently posted…Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Marla
September 19, 2014 at 8:53 amYum! This would be great on a cold Winter’s day with all the healthy ingredients. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Friday #56 – Simple and Pure
Robyn
September 19, 2014 at 10:44 amMy pleasure, Marla, and thanks for the sweet comment and sharing!
Robyn recently posted…Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Mandi
September 21, 2014 at 11:40 amJust stumbled on your blog and delighted, frankly! This gumbo looks delicious and love the low fat alternative with the chicken sausage. Must remember. Thanks!
Mandi recently posted…Prawn and Prejudice: Prawn and Lime Stir Fry
Robyn
September 24, 2014 at 7:51 amLoved my visit to your blog, Mandi! And naturally, I swooned over your prawn dish – fantastic! Thanks so much for your visit!
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Miz Helen
September 21, 2014 at 6:16 pmWe just love a great Gumbo and we will really enjoy your Chicken and Sausage Gumbo! Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
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Robyn
September 24, 2014 at 7:50 amThanks so much, Miz Helen. Always love your visits 🙂
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Nicky
September 23, 2014 at 10:21 pmRobyn, this looks amazing. Fall is perfect for enjoying food like this. Thanks for sharing it at the Let’s Get Real link party this week. I will be featuring your recipe during this week’s party.
Nicky recently posted…Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Robyn
September 24, 2014 at 7:16 amThanks so much, Nicky! I’ll be there 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday Tidbits
Julia @ Swirls and Spice
September 24, 2014 at 9:33 amLooks delicious! Orzo is made from wheat though, isn’t it?
Julia @ Swirls and Spice recently posted…Harvest Lentil Salad with Goji Berry Vinaigrette
Robyn
September 24, 2014 at 9:35 amHi Julia,
Yes, you’d have to leave out the orzo. I found it delicious all on it’s own.
Shannon {Cozy Country Living}
September 24, 2014 at 1:24 pmThis looks delicious! That’s my kind of Fall meal- cozy and comforting! Yum!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} recently posted…Pumpkin Spice & White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Robyn
September 29, 2014 at 4:11 pmThanks, Shannon. Now I’m off to check out those cookies – they sound so yummy!
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Chrystal @ YUM eating
September 24, 2014 at 1:51 pmI love a good gumbo! Please drop if off at The Yuck Stops Here, Robyn!
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Diane (@SimpleLivingEat)
September 25, 2014 at 9:09 amPinning this… we love these kinds of dishes, my son doesn’t even realize he is eating vegetables when it is a flavorful stew like this. Thanks for bringing this by Weekend Bites.
Nicole
September 26, 2014 at 12:30 pmI love a good gumbo. I haven’t had any in a long time and mine at home never seems to turn out the way I want. Thanks for sharing this with #yuckstopshere link up. Please come share again with us next week!
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Mary
September 27, 2014 at 2:30 pmThank you for the heads up on the Andouille! I rarely eat sausage, but I will definitely watch out for that one! I really like turkey sausage over pork any day! Adding shrimp to this sounds really good too. I’m featuring you this week on Masterpiece Monday. Have a blessed week, Robyn!
Robyn
September 29, 2014 at 4:10 pmThanks so much, Mary. You spoil me! Doesn’t the shrimp on Jane’s photo look yummy?
See you bright early tomorrow morning at your party 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Manicotti
Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow
September 28, 2014 at 3:32 pmWow Robyn! I’ve only had gumbo once and it was great, but this recipe looks so simple and sooo delicious! I can’t wait to try it. And I love the addition of orzo. I hope you’re having a great weekend!
Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow recently posted…Coconut Whipped Cream {Step-by-Step Tutorial}
Robyn
September 29, 2014 at 4:09 pmIt really was simple, Margaret! The orzo really stretched out the meal and satisfied my need for pasta, lol.
I hope your week is off to a great start. Thanks for your visit !
Robyn recently posted…Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Manicotti
Maggie | Omnivore's Cookbook
September 29, 2014 at 12:44 pmThis is such a comfort dish and perfect or autumn or winter! I never put okra into a gumbo stew but it sounds so delicious! It’s really difficult to find fresh herbs like thyme and oregano in Beijing, so I usually use dried one. But I can imagine the fresh herbs will add much more flavor! Have a great day ahead 🙂
Maggie | Omnivore’s Cookbook recently posted…Thai Curry Chicken Fried Rice
Robyn
September 29, 2014 at 4:05 pmOk, if you can’t find them in Beijing, that’s a valid excuse too, Maggie! lol.
This was the first time I’ve made gumbo. I love Cajun foods and have had it often but assumed it would be very time consuming but not at all.
Thanks so much for popping by. 🙂
Tammy @ creativekkids
September 29, 2014 at 3:21 pmI am so hungry right now, and that looks so good! Thanks for linking up to the Tasty Tuesdays Linky Party on Creative K Kids. I have pinned your post to the Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board.
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Kimberly
September 29, 2014 at 6:36 pmThis looks so good! I’m drooling right now. Pinned. We had so much fun partying with you at our last party. We hope to see you tonight’s party at 7 pm. We love to see what you have been working on! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Kimberly recently posted…Spinach Artichoke Dip
Karly
October 5, 2014 at 1:52 pmThis is right up my alley- so comforting and delicious! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Karly recently posted…Cheesy Quinoa Vegetable Bake
Lisa
October 7, 2014 at 10:46 pmThis looks so warm and hearty, perfect for these cool fall nights. Thanks for linking up with “Try a New Recipe Tuesday.” I hope you can join us again this week. http://our4kiddos.blogspot.com/2014/10/try-new-recipe-tuesday-october-7.html
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