Geneva’s Quick Gumbo – The Black Family Reunion Cookbook – Black Foodie Finder

A Quick Southern Gumbo That Brings Family Together

Few dishes represent Southern comfort quite like a steaming pot of gumbo. Geneva’s Quick Gumbo offers a convenient take on the Louisiana classic, combining chicken, smoked sausage, shrimp, okra, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables into one hearty meal. Designed for busy cooks, this recipe delivers the rich flavors of traditional gumbo in less time while still capturing the warmth and hospitality that make the dish a family favorite.

Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe celebrates the blending of African American, Creole, and Southern culinary traditions. By using everyday pantry ingredients alongside classic gumbo seasonings like filé powder and okra, it creates a satisfying meal that’s ideal for family dinners, reunions, or any gathering where comfort food takes center stage.

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
• ¼ 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

1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, tomatoes, water, bay leaf, thyme, butter or margarine, onion, green bell pepper, parsley, filé powder, sliced chicken, sausage, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
3. Add the frozen sliced okra and continue cooking according to the package directions, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and cooked shrimp until heated through.
5. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Add hot pepper sauce to taste, if desired.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Brown the sausage first for even deeper smoky flavor before adding it to the pot.
• Adjust the filé powder gradually until you reach your preferred thickness and flavor.
• Add the shrimp at the end to keep them tender and juicy.
• Serve with warm cornbread or French bread for an authentic Southern meal.
• Like many stews, gumbo tastes even better the next day, making leftovers especially delicious.

About the Creator

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions through treasured family recipes, regional favorites, and memorable food stories. The cookbook celebrates the rich diversity of Black American cuisine while honoring the meals that have brought generations together around the family table.

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. The cookbook is a remarkable collection of heritage recipes, family favorites, and regional specialties that preserve the rich culinary traditions of African American families while celebrating the joy of gathering around the table.