Gumbo File' Recipe

Name: Gumbo File'
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 pound crab meat picked over; 1/4 cup vegetable shortening; 2 tablespoons flour, all-purpose; 1/4 cup onions chopped; 1 pound okra rinsed, trimmed, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup ham chopped; 16 ounces tomatoes, canned with juice; 2 tablespoons green bell peppers finely chopped; 2 each garlic cloves minced, mashed to paste; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 each bay leaves; 6 each parsley sprigs; 1 each thyme sprigs; 2 tablespoons celery leaves chopped; 3/4 pound shrimp shelled; 1 x cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon file' powder

Servings: persons

1/2 pound crab meat picked over
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
2 tablespoons flour, all-purpose
1/4 cup onions chopped
1 pound okra rinsed, trimmed, thinly sliced
1/2 cup ham chopped
16 ounces tomatoes, canned with juice
2 tablespoons green bell peppers finely chopped
2 each garlic cloves minced, mashed to paste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 each bay leaves
6 each parsley sprigs
1 each thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons celery leaves chopped
3/4 pound shrimp shelled
1 x cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon file' powder

1
In a heavy skillet, melt the shortening over mod-low heat.
2
Add flour and cook the roux, stirring constantly, for 30 minutes, or until it is the color of cocoa.
3
Stir in the onion and cook, stirring until onion begins to brown.
4
Add okra and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until okra is golden.
5
In a kettle, bring 8 cups water to a boil, add the roux mixture, ham, tomatoes, with juice, bell pepper, garlic paste, bay leaf, parsley, thyme, and celery leaves.
6
Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally for 50 minutes.
7
Stir in the shrimp and lump crabmeat and simmer for 5 minutes or until shrimp are firm.
8
Season it with cayenne and salt.
9
Discard bay leaf and serve the gumbo sprinkled with file' powder.

352

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 pound crab meat picked over, 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, 2 tablespoons flour, all-purpose, 1/4 cup onions chopped, and more.

Yes, Gumbo File' falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Gumbo File'

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions