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
Irresistible Crunch: Baked Garlic Parmesan Ranch Oyster Crackers Recipe
These were so good, I had no idea they were also low carb
Pistachio Pie Stuffed French Toast
7 Simple and Powerful Tips to Remove Scratches from Any Surface
Fixed dinner tonight and my hubby ate more than half of this. So tasty
SALTED CARAMEL BANANA BREAD
Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
My mama used to make this weekly for us growing up. I’m so happy I found this recipe as it is very similar to her version, if not better
“Controversy Explodes: Should Men Be Banned from Competing in Women’s Sports?”
