Turkey Gumbo

Ingredients

• 1 1/8 cups vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 3 bay leaves
• 6 cups turkey stock
• 3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped leftover turkey
• 1 tablespoon file powder
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Directions

Stir oil and flour together in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring slowly and constantly to keep the roux from burning, until the mixture becomes a dark chocolate brown, about 25 minutes. Add the onions, celery, and bell peppers to the roux all at once, and continue to stir until vegetables are wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and cayenne pepper.

Stir in the smoked sausage and bay leaves, and continue to stir for 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the turkey stock and stir until the stock and roux mixture are well combined. Bring the gumbo to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Stir in the turkey and the file powder; simmer for 2 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, bring the rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.

Skim off any fat that rises to the surface of the gumbo; remove from heat. Stir in the parsley and green onions. Remove the bay leaves, and serve the gumbo in deep bowls with rice.