Cajun File’ Gumbo

Cajun File’ Gumbo

Whip up a new dish for your family with the Herald-Guide’s Recipe of the Week.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsp. Creole seasoning
• 1 cup onions, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup andouille sausage, sliced or diced
• 1/2 cup tasso, diced
• 3 tbsp. garlic, chopped
• 8 cups shrimp or seafood stock
• 3 fresh bay leaves
• 4 chicken thighs, boned cut into pieces, then seasoned liberally with Creole seasoning
• 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• hot sauce to taste
• 1 lb. fresh shrimp, peeled and de-veined
• 1 dozen oysters, shucked
• Kosher salt to taste, if necessary
• 2 tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• Creole boiled rice
• Fresh French bread
• Filé powder at the table

Directions:

1. Mix your onion, celery, and bell pepper together.

2. Heat the oil in a cast-iron dutch oven or skillet over medium heat.

3. Whisk in the flour and cook to make a milk chocolate-colored roux.

4. Add the andouille sausage, 1 tbsp. of seasoning, and 3/4 of the onion, celery and bell pepper, cook, stirring often, for about ten minutes or until the vegetables soften.

5. Gradually whisk in the stock, then add the remaining seasoning, and garlic.

6. Bring to a boil, then down to a simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

7. Add the chicken and simmer until cooked through.

8. About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve add the shrimp, cook until done, then add the oysters and cook until the edges curl.

9. Add the Worcestershire, hot sauce, and a half of the green onions.

10. Serve with Creole boiled rice, crusty French bread, and a good cold beer

11. Garnish with green onions, parsley, and filé powder at the table.

Got a great recipe? If so, send yours to Lifestyles Editor Heather R. Breaux at heatherb@heraldguide.com. Questions? 985-758-2795.