2 1/2 lb. chicken
1/2 c. butter
1 lg. onion
2 celery sticks
2 cloves garlic
2 1/2 qt. cold water
3 tbsp. flour
2 1/2 tbsp. oil
1 c. okra
1/2 tsp. file, if desired
1/2 lb. smoked sausage

Cut up chicken, season with salt and pepper, brown in 1/2 cup butter, set aside.

Chop onion, garlic, and celery; saute for 2 or 3 minutes in oil. Do not brown. Add to chicken. Add 1/2 pound smoked cubed sausage. Pour in 2 1/2 quart water, bring to boil, lower flame to simmer. Continue to simmer until tender, approximately 30 minutes. Add Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper. Cool and sprinkle file lightly, if desired. Heat and serve with rice. If desired, add crab meat and simmer 30 additional minutes.