Gumbo Filé Powder

Ground sassafras leaves, and the traditional thickener for gumbo. The flavor is earthy and herbal with a note people describe as somewhere between eucalyptus and root beer, which makes sense given what sassafras used to flavor.

Ingredients: Ground sassafras leaves.

How to use: Stir it in off the heat, after the gumbo is done. Filé turns stringy if it boils, so it goes in at the table or right before serving, about a teaspoon per bowl.

Try it in: gumbo, Creole stews, and file gumbo made without okra.