Start by preparing a flavorful roux using equal parts flour and oil, cooking it until it's a deep, rich brown color.
Sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery in the roux until they’re tender and aromatic.
Add garlic, spices like paprika, cayenne, and thyme, and cook for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
Stir in a combination of chicken and seafood, such as shrimp and sausage, to create a rich, hearty base.
Pour in chicken stock and let the gumbo simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add okra for texture and to help thicken the gumbo, cooking until it's tender.
Serve your gumbo over rice, garnished with fresh parsley and green onions for a finishing touch.