Mardi Gras Recipe: Gumbo w/ Cauliflower Grits!

This is rouxless gumbo. I cobbled this recipe together from 4 other ones-some low carb, others not. The only big sources of carbs in the original dish are the flour to create the roux, and the rice it is served over. I have substitutes for both-xanthan gum for thickening and cauliflower grits. It turned out delicious, everyone loved it. It was slightly spicy and had a great, warm-you-up flavor.

Gumbo
3 chicken thighs, cooked and chopped or shredded
4 small andouille sausages (~4 in. each) or 2 big ones (~8in. each), cooked and chopped into 1/2 in. rounds
1 medium onion, chopped finely (I used the Ninja)
1 bell pepper, diced
1 Tbs. butter
2 stalks celery, chopped (if you like it; if you don't add 2 tsp. celery seed instead)
6 c. chicken broth
5 cooked slices of bacon, chopped and their grease
1 tsp. thyme
2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning (McCormick makes one)
2 tsp. guar gum

In a large soup pot, combine broth, celery (or seeds), and all spices and herbs. While stirring, sprinkle in guar gum little by little to prevent it from lumping. Saute onions and peppers in a nonstick skillet with the butter until peppers are soft and onions are translucent. Add into pot. Add in chicken, sausage, and bacon. Simmer until everything is hot and flavors come together, about 30 minutes. Serve over cauliflower rice.

*Note* You can use a variety of meats: oysters, fish, shrimp, chicken, brisket, sausage, etc.

Cauliflower Grits

1/2 to 3/4 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets (~4 cups)
1 c. shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, colby jack, etc)
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 or 2 slices gouda cheese (optional)

Combine florets, shredded cheese, whipping cream, salt, and pepper in a microwave safe dish. Microwave on high for about 18 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through. Place cooked cauliflower into a food processor or Ninja and process until smooth. Place gouda on top of cauliflower and microwave until gouda is melted. (<-- optional) Serve with the gumbo.

This is a simplified version of the mashed cauliflower. I didn't add much flavoring besides the cheese because it's meant to be served with gumbo on top.