The best rice is white rice preferably long gram for gumbo. Instead of boiling the lobster, you sear it in a pan. Oh my word!! Amenities: (228) 575-5090. Hot sauce ad Cajun seasonings add a kick that makes this Lousiana dish a favorite amongst our community of home cooks. gal Shrimp stock or Clam Juice (optional) 1 # 10 can chopped Tomatoes. The gumbo simply wont taste like how its intended to taste. Meanwhile, wash the crabs well under running water, pace in a non-reactive pot with 1 quart of water,bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Serve immediately.How to find seafood for this recipe:If you dont live near an ocean, finding quality seafood might be challenging! Toss in the onion, celery, plus green bell pepper once the roux has reached a deep chocolate brown color. They might also have frozen seafood that you can choose from, too. Pour in the water and the stock, and bring to a boil. The taste is so delicious. Rice is usually on the bottom and served steaming hot. This gumbo recipe was so delicious, even the big man in the red suit loves it. 6 lbs chopped Okra (frozen or fresh) Been here? Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to the plate of sausage. Gumbo file has a deep, earthy flavor similar to thyme and should be added to gumbo in the last minutes of cooking it helps to thicken and enrich the stew for an authentic taste of New Orleans. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until the gumbo is thickened slightly and the flavors have melded, 35 to 45 minutes. Gumbo is an art, not an exact science. Boil rice. Set aside. Just before serving add the green onions, shrimp and chopped parsley. Thin Mint Cheesecake (Whole) (Ive heard seafood gumbos referred to as Christmas Gumbos because theyre for special occasions. 713-759-0731. Shrimp: Seafood is more common to Creole gumbos (which is the French version including tomatoes and butter) but can certainly be added to this classic Cajun recipe. 4 chicken bouillon cubes - $0.24. Add chicken and simmer 15 minutes. For a medium-thickness sauce, use 1 quart stock: 4 oz roux. Build the Base: Once the roux is a dark rich brown, add in the chopped andouille sausages. You let the shells simmer for 10 minutes, drain them, and discard the liquid. Includes two metal lifting hooks. Add okra and vinegar and cook for 15 minutes; remove okra with a slotted spoon, and stir into the simmering gumbo. Some people simply slice the sausage one way, but I like to quarter it so that you have smaller bites of sausage throughout the gumbo (same for the tasso). Mam Papaul's Gumbo w/Roux Mix 2 Gallon 1. Pair with cornbread and serve hot. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until softened. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs. And we make our own seafood stock. Required fields are marked *. GUMBO - Freeze date 5/27/07 and brought back to life 10/01/07. Close the lid and lower the heat to a simmer. Stir to coat in the roux. The good news here is that you cannot mess up! Bring to a boil. Since you have already seasoned the vegetables, and the meats already have their own seasoning in them, you do not want to add too much seasoning and make it too salty. Follow me on Instagram for more content, and share a photo of your creation with the hashtag #speckledpalate! Cut the vegetables: Prepare the following, placing each in the same medium bowl as you complete it: Trim and dice 1 medium green bell pepper (1 1/2 cups), 1 medium yellow onion (1 3/4 cups), and 3 celery stalks (1 1/2 cups). There are many different types of rice that can be used in a dish like gumbo, including long grain white or brown rice. I learned to cook from my mother and grandmother who were born and raised in New Orleans and really knew how to cook. I personally think the seafood that goes into the pot (plus the brine from the oysters) gives amazing flavor. In a very large heavy pot, fry onions and peppers until soft in oil. Linda is a full blooded Cajun , being 1/2 a Broussard and 1/2 a Guidry. Key Lime Pie (Whole) $28.00. Extra meat $1.25. Out of Stock. Stir in cajun seasoning, to taste. Mix in reserved vegetables, crabmeat, shrimp, and Worcestershire sauce, and simmer until flavors have blended, 45 more minutes. That includes you, too, so dont let this stress you out! Transfer the sausage to a plate. Add the Brandy and deglaze the pan making sure to scrape all the brown bits from the pan. In a pinch, busy cooks can opt to slowly bake the roux in the oven which requires less attention but more time. This Authentic New Orleans Gumbo is made with a dark roux, vegetables, chicken, sausage, and shrimp, and served over rice. It works out to 8-10 servings per gallon. Winter Sale: $389.99. When the seasoning vegetables are tender, add the tomatoes, bay leaves, and the three peppers and a little salt. If in doubt, cook more roux than you think you need and take some out before you start putting the other stuff together. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. This boldly flavored stew is bursting with fresh, filling ingredients like bell pepper, sausage, stewed tomatoes, and crabmeat. Remove the onions and celery from the pan and set aside. With ordinary ingredients, the right seasonings, and patience, the results are extraordinary. (3 different Texas Smoke House Sausage with Chicken, Crab & Shrimp) Twisted Brisket Fries $12.00. To say theres one recipe for gumbo does a disservice to the spirit of the beloved Southern dish. Add all remaining ingredients except chicken, rice, and hot sauce and bring to boil. Prepare the remaining aromatics: Prepare the following, placing each in the same small bowl as you complete it: Mince 6 garlic cloves; coarsely chop the leaves from 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, if using, until you have about 1/2 cup; add 2 tablespoons of the salt-free Cajun seasoning, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; stir to combine. Step 2. Add remaining 5 cups of chicken broth. I use about 1/4 of a garlic bulb or about 4 cloves. Due to conflicting sources of its origin, gumbo cannot be attributed to one culture but is the amalgamation of many distinct cuisines that found their way to South Louisiana, including but not limited to African, Native American, and European. says Shaw Kitty. Chock full of shrimp, crab and oysters, this gumbo recipe sings with flavors from the sea. I use shrimp,snow crabs and king crab . )Because of the price tag that comes with keeping seafood fresh, this recipe is a special one and is pricier than other gumbo recipes. Return the chicken meat to the pot along with the sauteed vegetables. The beginnings and ends of gumbo are ever-evolving. Flavorful and hearty gumbo is perfect with basmati rice for a cozy winter warm-up or perhaps even a rockin' summer social. ", "This recipe is the real deal," raves home cook Pat. Order it online. Honestly, the roux adds such beautiful flavor to gumbo that its really important to do it right (or find one thats been pre-made for you.). Set aside the green onions. "Some people like to add fil powder. Some people prefer to use store-bought chicken stock, but I say, why bother? Add tomato sauce. If you come back to complain, I will say I told you so. 1 yellow onion - $0.62. At Liuzza's by the Track, in Mid-City near the Fairgrounds Racetrack, you can have the best of both worlds: chicken, sausage and shrimp all in one! The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. The roux changes color based on the warmth and components used; hence it could take a long time to make this step. Gumbo is one of Americas most famous dishes. You do not need a thick walled pot for the gumbo. This ingredient was first used by Choctaw Indians and was later adopted by Acadians (Cajuns) when they arrived in the American South. The darker the roux, the richer the flavor! Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Add the flour and oil to the pot and stir for approximately 30 minutes to make a roux the color of chocolate. Your email address will not be published. My husband and I first quantified this recipe in 2021, just before the Snowpocalypse here in Texas. Great for gumbos, jambalaya, seafood stews, paella. Essential New Orleans Three-Day Itinerary, Downtown/Central Business District Hotels and Lodging, LGBTQ Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Itinerary, New Orleans' Most Iconic Cocktails (And Where to Find Them), 1 lb. A roux is made with two ingredients; flour and oil, and its the key to any great gumbo recipe! If you cant find fresh seafood, consider purchasing frozen or ordering the items from a shop that will ship them to your doorstep. Creole & Cajun Restaurants Fine Dining Restaurants American Restaurants. Here are some tips and tricks of how to find these ingredients near you: Whatever you do, please do not purchase imitation crab or canned crab for this recipe. Until then, here are two recipes to help you out. While your gumbo is cooking, it is best to have a stash of cookies or goodies on the side to have with a glass of wine or beer. $30.00 See more photos. Reserve the remaining green onion for garnish. I used FROZEN okra in the recipe. You can use more or less to your liking.) (9) Website Directions. People would line up for this authentic Cajun specialty. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I love your gumbo recipe and have made it several times! Hey there, Barb! (4 sticks) unsalted butter 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 red bell peppers, in medium dice 2 celery stalks, in medium dice 1 gallon (20 cups) chicken stock 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon dried thyme (Skip this step if using rotisserie chicken.). I personally love tomatoes in gumbo because it adds a savory umami flavor and a natural thickener that replaces okra. Let the gumbo simmer for 45 minutes before adding file powder, okra, and seafood. Gradually add 2 quarts hot water, and bring mixture to a boil; add chicken, garlic, and next 5 ingredients. Once the flour is cooked, you pour in stock and whisk it into the onion mixture. Whisk until the cubes dissolve, then whisk the roux mixture into the boiling water. Fax. Im encouraged to hear that this recipe is very similar to the one you and your wife have been making for years. There are lots of different types and styles of gumbos. Jambalaya is the Louisianian equivalent of a Spanish paella where rice is the main base. This type of rice is generally less processed than regular white rice, which makes it easier to digest. One of those foods was gumbo. Its a sister of our Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, but this one highlights the flavors of the sea. This recipe serves eight but multiplies well. When the five minutes are up, remove the pot from the heat. Saut until vegetables are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. How to make gumbo ahead of time for entertaining: Saute the veggies, add the liquid (plus seasonings) and cook until the roux is completely broken down. Strain, discard the shells and heads and set the stock aside. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. From Business: Gourmet To Go 9:00am to 5:30pm Casserole Pick Ups. Then, return to a simmer and add the chicken and then the sausage that you previously cooked. Heavy-gauge cast iron distributes heat evenly for slow cooking classic New Orleans jambalaya, beans & rice, chili, beef stew, and gumbo. Bowl of Seafood Gumbo $8.90 11. This is how Southerners make perfect, moist, crunchy, tasty fried chicken. Add: 2 gal Chicken stock. Will definitely make again! Reheat over low heat. If you want to host your people, you're in the right place! Chicken and Andouille Gumbo (five-gallon) Cook Time: 2 hours Categories Chef Pics Entrees Tailgate Ingredients 3lbs. You may need to add more stock later once everything is cooking in the pot. For more information about your data privacy, visit our Most of the time, you could not get them to write down their recipes because they used a 'pinch' of this and 'just enough of that' and 'two fingers of water,' and so on. Serve in large bowls over steamed rice. Make the roux: Whisk together flour and 3/4 cup bacon drippings in a large, heavy saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. It is important to add the seafood at the very end so that it doesnt overcook and get tough! Zydeco Louisiana Diner. Thats a big ole success for this Tennessee girl. Remove gumbo from heat. Features. Its loaded with shrimp, chicken and smoked sausage in. The gumbo can be served immediately or the day after (which is when it tastes best). Make sure its sealed tight because those onions will stink up your fridge.Chop the garnishes, too. Lower the heat a bit, partially cover and simmer for thirty minutes, stirring occasionally. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Make sure that the water is boiling when the seafood is added. Brown rice is actually a whole grain rather than just being broken down into individual grains. Set chicken aside. When youre ready to make your gumbo, start by chopping celery, onions, bell pepper, parsley. Makes 12 servings. Its done when it smells nutty and delicious. Add the Seasonings - Add bay leaf, thyme, basil, cayenne, salt, and pepper. And while yes, there is often a roux base and holy trinity, gumbo celebrates local ingredients and subtleties of tradition, so gumbo takes many forms. Add bell peppers and stir constantly 30 seconds. In a pan over medium heat, saute the white or yellow onion and celery with about 1/2 tablespoon butter. If you have bread or other soakers, then reduce the amount of rice by 25%. I had my fair share of gumbo when I was growing up in New Orleans, but the classic Cajun gumbo is the one I make on repeat! Some people like thick gumbo and some like thin. Orders through Toast are commission free and go directly to this restaurant. For a thick sauce use 1 quart stock: 5 oz roux. Cheers! Add about one gallon or more of water. Gumbo is a word thats found in several West African dialects and means okra. Throw in some shrimp. (You need 16 oz. The late famed chef Paul Prudhomme created "Gumbo Ya-Ya" which can now be found at Mr. B's Bistro in the French Quarter and is a local favorite. Despite a rather complicated origin story, we do know that gumbo is emblematic of the people who built their lives in South Louisiana. Weve never added chicken and sausage to our seafood gumbo before, but if it sounds good to you, I say do it! For the gumbo base: 3 cups chopped onion 3 cups chopped bell pepper 3 cups chopped celery 1 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoons basil (dry) 1 teaspoon thyme (dry) 4 tablespoons. Soups. Peel your shrimp. Pour in the water and the stock, and bring to a boil. Jambalaya is primarily a rice dish (think paella) while gumbo is more of a stew that is thickened with a roux and made with chicken, sausage, and/or seafood. My recipe has been refined over the years to earn the esteemed thumbs-up from locals of the Louisiana river parishes where this Cajun dish is rooted. Gumpo White Dwarf Azalea - 1 Gallon Pot. Taking a basic Gumbo recipe, here are the exact amounts for 20 people Chicken Thighs Boneless and Skinless 3 lb 8 Tablespoons of Olive Oil 2 cup of Butter (Salted) 8 diced celery stalks 2 cups of flour (all purpose) 2 large onion diced 2 deseeded bell pepper 3 tablespoons of Cajun Spice or Seasoning 12 cups of chicken broth The best sausage, of course, comes from a local butcher that makes their own, but if you do not have access to one, any of those brands (or your favorite) will suffice. Cook the sausage: Cut 14 ounces andouille sausage crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Peel your shrimp. I always recommend starting out slowly because a burned roux cannot be used. Boldly delicious New Orleans-style gumbo is surprisingly easy to make at home. Rinse the shrimp shells and heads, place in a non-reactive stock pot along with 2 quarts of water. It tastes great every time. Did take a lot of watching stirring to not burn the roux, so plan accordingly. If you use 8 ounces (equal to 1 cup) of gumbo per serving, you will have enough for 16 single servings. Okra should be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep its texture and to help it thicken the gumbo properly. Add the tomato paste and saut an additional 2 minutes. Keep track of your trip itinerary here. The simplest definition of gumbo is a soup made by simmering meats, seafood, vegetables and spices in a thickened stock. (And if youre looking for a classic Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe, Ive got one right here.). Delicious! We made it for New Years Day this year with his entire family, and got a lot of help, thanks to their gumbo knowledge. If the sauce is too thin, continue cooking it for another 5-10 minutes. Serve gumbo over cooked white rice." Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. We added chicken stock because its more accessible for us. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. For this, we will round up to 4.4 quarts of gumbo which means there are 128 fluid ounces. See how much soup per person for a Christmas Side Dish, To feed a crowd of 10 people, serve 20 cups of Gumbo. Ifyoure really wanting to go all out, serve it with a side of homemade potato salad! This recipe will yield about six entrees or ten to twelve appetizers. Then, you add tomatoes, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, black pepper and salt. Saut the bell peppers, onions, and celery with the remaining blackening spice over a large saut pan over medium high heat for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Serve over hot cooked rice. The best way to add garlic to your gumbo is to use a garlic press. Marigny9: THE best fried chicken (get it a la cart) and gumbo in town. Technically, you could use any fat or oil, but unsalted butter produces the best roux. Season to taste. Cook sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until browned. My wife and I pretty much make the same Seafood Gumbo as your above Seafood Gumbo receipe. There are online companies that will ship fresh or frozen seafood to your doorstep. In a pot of boiling water, add the shells of all your seafood, ends and skin of onion, a little Tonys and let it boil for a few hours then strain it. Add the water and bouillon cubes and stir until the roux is mixed well with the water. I hope yalls gumbo tasted amazing! You may salt and pepper the vegetables as they cook, but do not add too much; otherwise, your gumbo will turn out like a salt lick! Meat - 3 bone-in chicken thighs, 1 lbs andouille, 1 lbs shrimp. You just add some ingredients like shrimp, crab meat, crawfish, and sausage to a pot. (Ive never seen it on shelves of our usual grocery store.) Bring the water and beef bouillon cubes to a boil in a large soup pot. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. At least. Blend well. Usually it's served over rice. Follow Where NOLA Eats on Instagram at @wherenolaeats, join the Where NOLA Eats Facebook group and subscribe to the free Where NOLA Eats weekly newsletter here. Rub four teaspoons of the mixture over the chicken. this is a keeper! Allow 1-1.5 quarts per person. Cook for about 10 minutes, repeating the stick and scrape process with the tomatoes. Visit a high-end grocery store. Its believed that gumbo was brought to our country by enslaved people, and today, different regions of the country have their own styles of gumbos. Serve over rice. Simmer - Stir in 4 cups of the reserved chicken broth. Add the broken crabs and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the liquid. Heat a skillet over medium heat on your stovetop, and add the oil. To make your own Cajun seasoning for this recipe, combine 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 3/4 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, and 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme. Thanks for sharing them, Tabitha! Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Her Southern food blog, Murmurs of Ricotta, houses some of Googles top-ranking recipes for Mardi Gras King Cake and Gouda Mac. Im so thankful my Mom took him up on his offer to teach her how to make a true, authentic Gumbo! Leftover gumbo can be stored safely in the refrigerator for three to four days. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. A convenience store next door to an elementary school in Pensacola's Ferry Pass area serves the best gumbo you've never had. Gumbo by the Gallon - The Schooner Restaurant To-Go Orders: 1507 S Hwy 69, Nederland, TX 77627 (409) 722-2323 Mon: 11AM-8:30PM Tue - Wed: 11AM-9PM Thu: 11AM-9:30PM Fri - Sat: 11AM-10PM Closed Sunday Gumbo by the Gallon Are you looking for the best Gumbo in Southeast Texas? , Weve been making gumbo for years for our annual New Years Day party, and I have a few tips and tricks to making the hosting and entertaining easier on yourself. Remove the sausages from the pan and set aside. This has been my go-to since living in Dallas. Youll want to serve enough food to keep everyone happy and see below for the best foods to serve with gumbo. (3 different Texas Smoke House Sausage with Chicken, & Okra) Big Bowl Gumbo $14.00. Add okra and fry for 20 minutes or more, until the slime disappears. However, it can be enjoyed any time of the year. Gumbo for 20 People Serve 2 gallons of Gumbo for 20 persons or 8 pints or 40 cup of Gumbo. Theres simple ways to make seafood stock with the ingredients you already have. We have lived in Southwest Louisiana for over 70 years. Stir constantly so it doesnt burn. Also, please, please dont make substitutes in this recipe unless otherwise specified. Mam Papaul's Family Size Gumbo w/ RouxEnjoy the great taste of Mam Papaul's Gumbo Bisque Mix for you.. $ 8 19 $ 9 10-10%. Gumbo for 30 30 Gumbo bowls can feed 30 people or 12 pints, or 3 gallons of Gumbo. Later on, youll re-insert it. Cook roux, whisking constantly, until it turns a rich mahogany brown color. You can simmer it for longer if you so desire. For jambalaya, rice is lightly simmered in broth and mixed with various proteins like chicken, sausage, or seafood. 2-3 yellow or white onions (I use white, but pick your favorite), diced, 1 stick butter (channel your inner Paula Deen), 1 whole cut-up chicken fryer (discard the gizzard and liver), 1 package andouille sausage (for a little kick), sliced into bite-sized chunks, 1 package tasso, sliced into bite-sized chunks, Fil powder (also called gumbo fil), for garnish. Add the sauted okra and cook for 10 more minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste and the 1/4 bunch parsley. Find a pot large enough. For example, Creole gumbo is a popular French interpretation of the dish that features richer ingredients like butter, tomatoes, and seafood. Saute the veggies. (So if you cant find crab, add 3/4 lb. Fil powder adds herbal notes and thickens the gumbo a bit. Add about 1/4 of the green onions to let them cook down. , sliced into 'coins' (substitute Polska Kielbasa if you can't find a good Andouille). The seafood gumbo that I made this morning, set us back for right around $100.00 for ingredients, so I do not get to practice as much as I would love to making Seafood Gumbos. After over 4 months in the freezer, it's gumbo time again! Add in the sugar, salt, hot pepper sauce, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, thyme, diced tomatoes, and tomatoes sauce. In 1856, Louisa May Alcott wrote a short story called Little Women, based on her childhood experiences growing up in Concord, Massachusetts. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender. Stir until bouillon cubes dissolve, then whisk roux mixture into the boiling water. You repeat the process with the rest of the seafood, except for the lobster. Reduce heat to a simmer and mix in sugar, salt, hot pepper sauce, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, thyme, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Its easy to make because it doesnt require much effort. onion 3bell peppers 2celery stalks 2gallons water 8chicken bouillon cubes Manda Products Andouille Cooking Instructions 1 Brown rice is another option that you might consider for gumbo. Add crabs and fry for about 15 minutes on medium heat. Vietnamese-born Tran Huonggiang is the mastermind behind a. The next type of gumbo is chicken gumbo. Add the chicken and sausage. Required fields are marked *, By using this form and leaving a comment, you agree with the storage and handling of your data by The Speckled Palate. You have to be careful to stir it constantly, on medium low heat, so that you dont burn it. New Orleans-style gumbo is a true taste of Southern tradition. 1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Add enough oil to drippings in Dutch oven to measure 1/2 cup. 1119 Pease Street, Houston, TX 77002. Plus for serving rice to a big group here are the exact amounts. This was hands down the BEST gumbo recipe that I have ever made or eaten in my life!! We also boast some of the most loyal customers in town, many who have been with us from the beginning. Wind shield: 6 In. Salted Caramel Cookies (Caramel Thumbprint Cookies), 3 large yellow onions (about 3 cups chopped), 5-6 celery stalks (about 2 cups chopped), 3-4 large bell peppers (2 cups chopped), Make a dark roux, if youre making one, and set it aside. seafood.). As soon as the proper color is achieved, add the onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic and saut, stirring occasionally until tender. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides and remove. Once the meat is all browned, add it to the pot with the chicken stock. The gumbo can be frozen or refrigerated and many people like it better the next day. It depends on your preference and how thick you want your soup to be. fresh or frozen shrimp, head on about 40-50 count per pound, 1 quart fresh or frozen okra, sliced into inch rounds. 4. In July 1880, after the New Orleans City Item ran an article on gumbo, they received a letter from "a lady who is a very competent authority in such matters" instructing them on the "genuine Creole method of making gumbo." She provided instructions for a standard chicken and . All items are prepared fresh daily. You can always freeze it in air tight containers or vacuum sealed bags. Gradually add a third of the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. To make a roux, combine the all-purpose flour and butter in a saucepan (a smooth free from lumps mix of the butter and flour).