Gumbo File

There are many variations of gumbo--with French, Spanish, Indian, and African influences--, but traditional ingredients include seafood, greens, tomatoes, peppers, and file or okra (both file and okra serve as thickeners). Add the file after removing your dish from the heat; simply dust it on and stir. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Don't cook the gumbo file in any dish or it will become stringy.

The ingredients: Sassafras leaf and thyme leaf.

· Sprinkle on gumbo after cooking to season and thicken.

· Stir into any soup or stew after cooking.

· Use to season shrimp, scallops, or other seafood.

· Use to season rice. (Gumbo is served over rice, but whether or not you're having the traditional stew, gumbo file is delicious with grains.)

· Sprinkle on cooked vegetables.

· Use to season and thicken gravies and sauces.

To Try Today: For a quick gumbo, combine stewed tomatoes, cooked shrimp, and cubed tofu. Heat gently over low heat. Remove and sprinkle with gumbo file. Stir and let sit 5 minutes to thicken and for the flavors to meld. Serve over rice.

Buy Gumbo File now.