Poll Winner!

I was watching Rachael Ray’s $40 a Day last weekend, and I saw her get this dish in the Black Hills episode. I looked up the actual recipe, and it contained many seafood ingredients, which I wouldn't eat. If you like seafood, check out the recipe - Spontaneous Heating Gumbo at www.foodnetwork.com. I decided to make it my own way without all of the seafood, and to change the portions to feed 2 people. This recipe was also the winner of my weekly ‘What Should I Make’ poll, but I was going to make it anyway!

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 large chicken breast, diced
2 links andouille sausage, sliced
Salt and pepper
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp. flour
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup beer
½ cup chicken stock
2 tsp. hot sauce
1 tsp gumbo file seasoning (which is ground sassafras leaves)
1 cup frozen okra
2 cups brown rice

Heat a pot to medium high, add 1 tbsp. olive oil. Add diced chicken and andouille. Cook 7-8 minutes until browned. Scoop out into a bowl. Add 1 tbsp. olive oil to pot, and then add peppers, onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, sauté for 5 minutes. Add chicken and andouille back to pot, sprinkle in flour and stir to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes, turn to high and add beer. Allow alcohol to cook off, turn to low and add tomato sauce, stock, hot sauce, seasoning, and okra. Stir to combine, cover and simmer for an hour. Serve over brown rice.