The ground dried leaves of the sassafras tree, known as filé powder (pronounced fee-lay), add body and an herbal, tea-like flavor to stews and our Chicken and Sausage Gumbo (from the January issue on newsstands now). Originally used as a stand-in thickener when okra was unavailable, file is now commonly added at the last minute or sprinkled on at the table as a seasoning. Note: Filé will become stringy if boiled, so be sure to only add it to the gumbo once it's off the heat. --Mary-Frances Heck
Use it in our New Orleans Party Menu