Meats are of personal choice. They are all good - shrimp to sausage to chicken.
IMHO, the only true “with or without” is okra and an added footnote to that would be you traditionally use gumbo filet when you don’t include okra.
(Gumbo is Swahili for okra)
Phonetically correct, but most Louisianans would wince at the spelling.
For those who aren't familiar with this ingredient: Handmade Filé (ground Sassafras leaves).
It’s not gumbo without okra, AFAIC.
Most people don’t like okra b/c it’s slimy from over cooking.
I always put the okra in last, about 5 minutes before serving.
Keeps it crunchy, not slimy.