Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   3      4 lb.         chickens -- cut up
     1/2  cup           vegetable oil
   2      pounds        sliced okra
     1/2  cup           flour
   1      gallon        water
   1      3 oz.         kosher smoked sausage
   1      pound         chicken gizzards -- cut up
   2      medium        onion -- chopped
     1/4                bell pepper -- chopped
   1      whole         bulb garlic -- chopped
   2      tablespoons   chopped parsley
   1      tablespoon    sugar
   1      6 oz can      tomato paste
   3      large         tomatoes OR
   1      can           whole tomatoes -- (16 oz.)
   2                    bay leaves
   1      pinch         thyme
   1      tablespoon    gumbo file'
                        salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

Brown chicken pieces in some of the oil; remove from pot. Brown okra and remove from pot. Add remainder of oil and flour, stirring constantly until roux is a rich brown. Add okra and water to roux, blending well. Add chicken, sausage, gizzards, and remaining ingredients except file'. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. Stir in file' during the last 1/2 hr. of cooking. Serve with hot cooked rice in soup bowl