Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a Stainless Clad Stock Pot over medium-high. Working in batches, brown chicken on all sides, then transfer to a Sheet Pan or platter, 5–7 minutes per batch.

Discard fat and wipe out Pot. Add chicken with juices back to Pot. Using a Chef Knife, quarter 1 onion and add to Pot (can leave onion skin on). Slice 2 celery stalks into thirds and add to Pot. Add peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, and 12 cups water to Pot.

Bring to a brief boil then lower heat, add 1 Tbsp. salt, and gently simmer uncovered until chicken is cooked through and broth is flavorful, 35–40 minutes. Let cool, then strain over a large bowl or another pot, reserving liquid and chicken. Chill broth until ready to use.

When chicken is cool enough to handle, remove and discard skin. Separate chicken from bones and tear into bite-size pieces; set aside. (Reserve bones for future stock.) You should have about 4 cups shredded chicken.

Heat 1 cup oil in a large Dutch Oven over medium-high. Add flour and whisk almost constantly using a silicone whisk or wooden spoon. Lower heat to medium after flour starts to sizzle. Continue to cook, stirring, adjusting heat if necessary, until a dark reddish brown color (like a dark peanut butter) is achieved, 35–40 minutes. Do not burn your roux or your gumbo will have a bitter taste.

Meanwhile, in a large Enameled Cast Iron Skillet or Stainless Clad Frying Pan, heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil over medium-high, and sauté andouille until lightly browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove and reserve.

Add okra to same Skillet with a pinch of salt and sauté until browned and softened, 15–20 minutes for fresh okra and 10–15 minutes for frozen okra. Remove and reserve.

Once desired roux color is achieved, quickly stir bell pepper, remaining 2 cups onion, and ½ cup celery, and a pinch of salt into roux to halt cooking process and prevent color from getting too dark. Adjust heat if necessary and cook, stirring, until vegetables are softened and translucent and starting to stick to bottom, 5–7 minutes.

Working quickly, stream 8 cups of chilled broth into hot vegetable and roux mixture, whisking to incorporate broth into roux (reserve remaining broth). Stirring constantly, bring Pot to a low boil over medium-high, then lower heat to medium. Skim any fat that rises to surface. Add chicken,, andouille, okra, and remaining 2 bay leaves. Simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes, stirring and skimming occasionally.

Stir in ½ cup chopped parsley and ½ cup sliced scallions. If gumbo appears too thick, add more broth to adjust. Add Cajun seasoning, cayenne, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 5–10 minutes more. Skim if necessary.

Remove Pot from heat. Serve with rice, remaining parsley and scallions, and hot sauce, if desired.