Step 1

Place oil in saute pan over high heat.

Step 2

Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 3

Add tomato paste and stir. Cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.

Step 4

Add flour and stir to combine.

Step 5

Transfer contents from saute pan to the slow cooker.

Step 6

Pour in chicken stock and tomatoes.

Step 7

Add chicken and sausage.

Step 8

Stir in salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and bay leaves, and slow cook on high for 3 hours.

Step 9

Add okra to slow cooker and continue cooking for 30 minutes until okra is tender.

Step 10

Garnish gumbo with scallions and gumbo filé, if desired, before serving.