Smoked Sausage and Chicken Gumbo

SMOKED SAUSAGE & CHICKEN GUMBO

1/2 cup oil (canola, olive, or vegetable)

1/2 cup flour

3 stalks of celery (fine chopped)

1/2 red bell pepper (fine chopped)

1 medium onion (fine chopped)

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

1 package smoked sausage (1 link) cubed

salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon each or to taste)

6 cups chicken stock

2-4 cups water (dependent upon how long you cook it)

In a large stock pot make a roué with the flour and oil. On Medium high heat.  Cook the roué until it is light brown, stirring constantly. When the roué is ready add the chopped vegetables and let cook until transparent. Approximately 10-12 minutes.  Stirring often. Season with all of the spices. Add the chicken, and cook until the chicken looks like it is about half way cooked, about 10-15 minutes. Add the Sausage, and stir until all is combined.  Leave on Medium High and add the stock and half of the water.  Let cook at a rapid simmer/boil for an hour or two and the liquid is reduced. If it gets too thick add more water. You can eat it at this point, served over  rice or by itself like a soup. I also add chopped potatoes about an hour before eating if we eat it as a soup.

You can let this cook for up to 6 hours or for as little as 2 hours. :-)