Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Gumbo with Vegan Andouille Sausage

Looking for something to go with a baguette? Try this gumbo!

Andouille Sausage
Make vegan sausages the same way as this recipe (but make 4 sausages), but use the following spice blend
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves, finely crumbled
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 1 tsp liquid smoke

METHOD
1. Grind thyme, bay leaves and pepper flakes with a mortar and pestle. Add garlic cloves and mash with spices. Add with other spices listed above, and make 4 sausages as usual.

Gumbo
- 5 tbsp margarine
- 1 tbsp oil
- 5 tbsp flour
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sliced okra
- 7 -8 cups water or veggie stock
- 2 andouille sausages, thickly sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- few dashes of hot sauce
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 handfuls baby spinach
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp basil

METHOD
1. Heat margarine and oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add flour and stir constantly for about 5-7 mins, until flour turns a caramel colour. Add onions, celery, and green onion and fry for 5 mins. Add okra and garlic and cook 1 min. Slowly add in 7 cups of water.
2. Add sliced sausage, bay leaves, soy sauce, hot sauce, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Bring to bubbling, then simmer for 50-60 mins, adding more water if it gets too thick.
3. Add in baby spinach, green onions, parsley, paprika, thyme and basil. Cook 5 mins. Adjust seasonings and serve in a bowl over rice.