Add the gumbo filé powder
If your pantry is not stocked with gumbo filé powder, then grab a bottle. It’s dried and ground sassafras leaves. It adds a characteristic eucalyptus aroma, with an earthy thyme flavor and even root beer notes. Did you know that the fizzy drink used to be made from the root bark of sassafras? It’s added at the end of cooking when the heat shuts off.
When mixed in, it lightly thickens the gumbo. It can develop a stringy flavor when overheated, so you wait to add it right before serving. Some readers serve it on the side so they can sprinkle it over the gumbo to their liking. I use Zatarain’s gumbo filé for my recipe.
The difference between gumbo and jambalaya
Gumbo is a hearty soup or stew inspired by the French bouillabaisse and named after the West African word for okra “guingombo.” It can be thickened with a dark roux, okra, file powder, or a combination. Rice is served on the side with gumbo. Jambalaya is rooted in Spanish influence from paella. It’s a rice-based dish simmered with various vegetables, meats, and seafood.
Regional styles or variations
In different parts of Lousiana, the style of gumbo can differ. The southeastern region can be seafood-based with tomatoes. In contrast, the southwestern area can be meat-based with chicken or andouille sausage and thickened only with a roux. Also, some prefer to serve the gumbo filé on the table instead of cooking with it.
Serve this with
Spaghetti mit Krabbencreme.
VANILLA CAKE WITHOUT OVEN
Absolutely divine! This is one of my favorite cakes ever!
Older Man Is Fired 2 Hours after Taking Store Job, Gets $70K for Wife’s Treatment the Next Day – Story of the Day
My grandma has been making this for as long
Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Frosted Orange Rolls
Concerned Father Deals with Daughter’s Worsening Attitude
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe