Foryoueats: Gumbo

Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1½ pounds smoked Andouille sausage (see note)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups chopped yellow onions, from one large onion
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2½ teaspoons Creole seasoning, such as Emeril's Essence or Tony Cachere's
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup chopped scallions, white and green parts, from about 4 scallions
• Cooked white rice, for serving