Ah, gumbo! The mere mention of it conjures up images of a steaming bowl of rich, flavorful stew, brimming with a medley of meats, vegetables, and spices. It’s a dish that perfectly embodies the warmth and soul of Southern comfort food. While traditional gumbo recipes can be a labor of love, there’s something just as satisfying about a quicker version that still brings the heart and soul of the dish to your kitchen. Enter Campbell’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Soup.
This recipe offers a convenient shortcut without sacrificing taste or the complex flavors gumbo is famous for. What’s even better? It’s super easy to make, and you can whip it up in no time, whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests. Let’s dive in and explore how this tasty, hearty, and satisfying meal comes together.
Campbell’s Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Soup Recipe
If you’re ready for a soup that’s just as hearty as it is flavorful, Campbell’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Soup recipe is a fantastic go-to. It’s packed with tender pieces of chicken, savory sausage, and a wonderful mix of spices that deliver the bold, distinct flavors of gumbo without the hassle of making everything from scratch. This recipe balances the richness of sausage with the lighter, comforting flavor of chicken, all while adding that signature gumbo seasoning.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for this recipe are simple yet packed with flavors that make it taste like you’ve been cooking for hours. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Campbell’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Soup: The star of the show, this pre-made soup is the base for all the flavor. It’s a blend of chicken, sausage, and spices.
- Chicken (optional): If you want to add a little more protein and texture to your gumbo, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well.
- Sausage: Use a good quality smoked sausage or andouille sausage for that authentic gumbo taste. Andouille sausage, with its smoky flavor and spicy kick, is perfect if you want to bring the heat.
- Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers add that slightly bitter crunch that pairs perfectly with the gumbo’s richness.
- Onions: The base of any good gumbo, onions provide that deep, savory sweetness when sautéed.
- Celery: Known as the ’holy trinity’ in Cajun and Creole cooking (along with onions and bell peppers), celery adds crunch and freshness.
- Garlic: A few cloves of garlic will give your gumbo an aromatic, savory depth.
- Rice: No gumbo is complete without a steaming bed of white rice to soak up all that flavorful broth.
- Seasonings: A good blend of Cajun or Creole seasoning is key here. You can also add salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste if you like a bit more heat.
- Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the veggies and chicken if you’re adding extra protein.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have everything laid out, let’s get to cooking. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making Campbell’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Soup:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- If you’re using chicken, dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice your sausage into rounds (about ½ inch thick).
- Chop the bell peppers, onions, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic as well.
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Sauté The Veggies And Meat
- In a large pot, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken first (if using) and sauté until it’s lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the sausage and cook until it’s browned and crispy around the edges.
- Add the chopped bell peppers, onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add The Soup And Simmer
- Stir in the Campbell’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Soup. Add a bit of water or chicken broth if you prefer a thinner consistency. Stir everything together, making sure the sausage and veggies are evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, so all the flavors meld together.
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Cook The Rice
- While your gumbo is simmering, cook your rice according to package instructions. You’ll need about 1 cup of rice for every 4 servings of gumbo.
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Serve
- Once the gumbo is heated through and fragrant, serve it over the hot, cooked rice. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley and a dash of hot sauce for a kick!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this gumbo adds a crucial layer of flavor and texture, which is what makes the dish so rich and satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they matter:
- Campbell’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Soup: This is your shortcut to achieving that authentic gumbo taste. With its perfect mix of chicken, sausage, and spices, it’s the foundation that ties everything together.
- Chicken and Sausage: The chicken adds tenderness and mild flavor, while the sausage provides a smoky, savory richness. Together, they create the balance of flavors that gumbo is known for.
- Holy Trinity (Bell Peppers, Onions, Celery): These vegetables are the backbone of many Southern dishes, especially gumbo. They provide both a crunchy texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness of the sausage and the richness of the broth.
- Garlic: An aromatic powerhouse, garlic adds savory depth and makes the entire dish smell irresistible.
- Rice: The rice is the perfect vessel for all the flavors in the gumbo. It soaks up the broth, making each bite a delicious combination of meat, veggies, and spices.
Expert Tips
To really elevate this recipe and ensure your gumbo turns out perfect, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Sausage: Andouille sausage adds a classic kick of spice and smokiness, but you can also use regular smoked sausage if you prefer something milder.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: You want your rice to be just tender enough to absorb the flavors without turning mushy. Aim for perfect fluffy rice for the best texture.
- Adjust the Heat: Gumbo can vary in heat, so feel free to play around with hot sauce or Cajun seasoning until you get the heat level that works best for you.
- Simmer Gently: Simmer your gumbo on low heat. Cooking it too fast can alter the flavor balance, so low and slow is the way to go.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top can add a burst of freshness and color to your dish.
Recipe Variations
While the recipe is great as is, you can always get creative with it. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Seafood Gumbo: Swap out the chicken and sausage for shrimp, crab, or even fish. This gives your gumbo a more traditional seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Gumbo: For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and load up on more vegetables like okra, zucchini, and mushrooms. Add some white beans for protein!
- Spicy Gumbo: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a few extra dashes of hot sauce. You can also use a spicier sausage like chorizo instead of smoked sausage.
- Smoked Meat: Try using smoked chicken or smoked turkey in place of regular chicken for an even richer, smokier flavor profile.
Final Words
This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the deep, rich flavors of gumbo without spending hours in the kitchen. By using Campbell’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Soup as a base, you get that authentic, bold taste with minimal effort. The addition of chicken, sausage, and a medley of vegetables elevates the dish, while the rice ensures each bite is satisfying and filling. It’s a great way to bring a little taste of the South to your table with ease.