Al Fresco Gluten Free Sausage

I received a package of samples from al fresco all natural gluten free chicken sausage. I have tried other chicken sausages in the past, but they lacked the flavor that I expect from sausages. These chicken sausages that I sampled were very good. They have a different texture from pork sausages, but they did taste good.

·           Al fresco’s chicken sausages contain 70% less fat than traditional pork sausage, a healthy alternative to brats or hot dogs

·             All al fresco products are all natural, and contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

·             al fresco makes chicken sausages in both pre-cooked and Dinner Fresh, as well as chicken burgers, chicken meatballs and breakfast chicken sausages in a variety of flavors.

I used the Smoked Chicken Andouille sausage to make a simplified version of Gumbo. I love gumbo, but to make it right it takes hours, and involves making a roux. Making roux with gluten free flour is tricky and takes a little more time than making it with wheat flour. So, I wanted something with the flavor of gumbo without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

Gumbo Soup

3 stalks celery chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3-4 tablespoons olive oil

1 tsp basil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp parsley flakes

1/2 tsp cayene pepper

1/2 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp marjarom

1 16 oz can diced tomatoes

1 can water

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 12 oz pkg al fresco Smoked Andouille Sausage, sliced

1 cup rice, uncooked

Heat olive oil in a dutch oven. Add chopped vegetables and sautee until onions are translucent. Add the seasonings, the can of water, and 1 of the sausages, cut up into slices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add the cup of rice and 2 cups water, cover and simmer for 20 minutes more. Stir in shrimp and the rest of the sausage, cover, turn heat off, and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Since the Smoked Andouille Sausage is fully cooked, it can be served up plain too, and is very flavorful all by itself.  Al fresco comes in several flavors, and in fully cooked and fresh uncooked versions as well.