Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 pounds medium or large shrimp, peeled and de-veined, tails removed
• 1 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with liquid
• 1/2 pound frozen okra
• 2-4 teaspoons hot sauce – preferrably Cholula 
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 
• 1 cup cooked long grain white rice

Directions

1. Combine salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, then set aside.
2. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add oil. Stir in flour and continue to stir with a whisk until mixture is browned and creamy. 
3. Add broth, shrimp, sausage, celery, red bell peppers, onions, tomato paste, garlic, diced tomatoes, dry seasonings you set aside, and hot sauce, then stir to combine everything. 
4. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes. Gumbo should be boiling, veggies should be tender, and shrimp should be opaque. Serve with hot cooked white rice if desired.