Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mix oil and flour together in a 4 cup glass container (I use a Pyrex 4-cup).
  2. Microwave uncovered on high for 6-7 minutes.
  3. Stir at 6 minutes with a wooden spoon--roux will be a light brown at this time and will need to cook 30 seconds to 1 minute longer to reach the dark brown color so important in making Louisiana gumbos and stews.
  4. The roux will be VERY HOT, but usually the handle on your measuring cup will stay cool enough to touch.
  5. When the roux has reached a very dark brown (think a coffee grounds dark brown), remove from microwave and CAREFULLY (remember--the roux is very hot!); add the onion, celery, and bell pepper, a little at a time.
  6. Stir and return to microwave.
  7. Sauté on high for 2 minutes.
  8. You should now have about 3 3/4 cup of roux.
  9. If any oil has risen to the top, you can pour this off.
  10. Slowly, add enough hot water to bring the roux to the 4 cup mark.
  11. Stir and you will have a smooth, dark roux in only 12 minutes!
  12. Roux freezes very well and you are ready at any time to put together a delicious gumbo or stew!