Chef John's Duck, Sausage, and Shrimp Gumbo

1 . Stage

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook duck legs in the hot oil, skin-side down, until browned and fat has rendered, about 10 minutes. Flip and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on other meat side. Transfer to a plate, leaving rendered fat in the skillet.

2 . Stage

Whisk 1 cup flour into the duck fat, adding enough oil to make a thick and smooth roux. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns a rich, reddish-brown color, about 40 minutes. Whisk 2 more tablespoons flour into roux and cook for 2 minutes.

3 . Stage

Whisk in broth, 1 cup at a time, until incorporated. Remove from the heat.

4 . Stage

Cook sausage in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in onion, peppers, celery, and chopped green onions; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in black pepper, thyme, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf, followed by diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.

5 . Stage

Place smoked ham hock into the center of the Dutch oven. Pour roux mixture over ham hock along with enough water to cover. Place duck legs into the mixture. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid set at an angle to let steam out. Simmer slowly, stirring occasionally, until duck and ham hock meat are tender, about 4 hours. Skim as much fat as possible off the top as it simmers.

6 . Stage

Transfer duck legs and ham hock to a bowl and let cool. Stir pickled okra into gumbo. Pick meat from duck legs and pork hock and return meat to the gumbo. Simmer gumbo for 45 more minutes.

7 . Stage

Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Stir in shrimp and crawfish tails; cook until both are bright pink, about 3 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon sliced green onion, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve.