Gather ingredients: oil or butter, flour, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, stock, protein of choice, okra or filé powder, and seasonings
Make a roux by cooking equal parts oil and flour over medium heat, stirring constantly until dark brown
Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper to the roux and cook until softened
Stir in garlic and cook briefly
Add stock slowly while stirring to prevent lumps
Add seasonings such as salt, black pepper, cayenne, thyme, and bay leaves
Add protein such as chicken, sausage, shrimp, or seafood
Add okra if using and simmer until tender
Cook over low heat until the gumbo thickens and flavors blend
Add filé powder at the end if desired, after removing from heat
Serve hot over cooked rice
Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired