Filé powder has been used by cooks in the Louisiana region for centuries. Filé is the ground leaf of the sassafras tree, Sassafras albidum, a member of the laurel family.

A small bowl of filé powder is pictured alongside spiced shrimp-sausage-crawfish-chicken gumbo at The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge, in Longwood Gumbo filé is made from ground sassafras leaves.

My pantry could be used as a test for culinary knowledge. There are loads of various spices, herbs, oils, sugars, flours, leavening agents and dried fruits. Many times, my husband has asked, “Where is ...

Stir in filé powder quickly to prevent lumps. Stir in shrimp, parsley, and scallions. Turn off heat; let stand, uncovered, until shrimp are pink and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.

Filé powder has been used by cooks in the Louisiana region for centuries. Filé is the ground leaf of the sassafras tree, Sassafras albidum, a member of the laurel family. Native to North America ...

Gale says, "Filé is used at the end of cooking gumbo and is used as a thickening agent, and for its earthy flavor of sassafras leaves." Fortunately, substitutions for filé do exist, though some ...