Image Source: Inspired by The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women via Black Foodie Finder
A Fast and Flavorful Southern Gumbo for Busy Family Meals
When you’re craving the rich flavors of traditional gumbo without spending hours in the kitchen, Geneva’s Quick Gumbo delivers all the comfort in a fraction of the time. This hearty one-pot recipe combines chicken, smoked sausage, shrimp, tomatoes, vegetables, rice, and filé powder into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe embraces the spirit of Southern hospitality by making one of Louisiana’s most iconic dishes accessible for busy home cooks. It’s a wonderful example of how classic flavors can be adapted into an easy weeknight dinner while still honoring the traditions of African American and Creole cooking.
Ingredients
(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)
- 1 can (14½ ounces) chicken broth
- 1 can (14½ ounces) tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 1 small bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- 3 tablespoons filé powder (or more according to taste)
- 1 pound sliced chicken breast (other parts may be used)
- 3 hot links or Polish sausage, sliced
- Salt, pepper and garlic powder
- 2 cups frozen sliced okra
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups frozen baby shrimp, cooked
- Hot pepper sauce (optional)
Makes: 8 to 10 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, tomatoes, water, bay leaf, dried thyme, butter or margarine, chopped onion, green bell pepper, parsley, filé powder, sliced chicken, sausage, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Add the frozen sliced okra and cook according to the package directions, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice and cooked baby shrimp, heating everything through.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- If desired, season each bowl with hot pepper sauce for extra heat.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Use smoked sausage or hot links for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Add the shrimp near the end of cooking to keep them tender.
- Filé powder thickens the gumbo, so add more gradually if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Serve with crusty French bread or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
- The gumbo tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions through family recipes, regional specialties, and treasured food memories. The cookbook celebrates recipes that have brought generations together while honoring the history, creativity, and resilience found throughout Black American food culture.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. This celebrated cookbook features hundreds of cherished family recipes, Heritage Recipes, and regional specialties that preserve the rich culinary tra
