Gumbo afficionados, I need your help!

[Joe Fields]

I'm making gumbo for the first time. My problem is that no stores in my area carry file powder. Is there a substitute I can use, or am I going to have to hold off and order file powder online? It is my understanding that you can't make good gumbo without it.

[SacredCow]

1. PM me your address, and I can send you some....

It's all over the place around here

:hi:


On edit: it's not an absolute necessity- lots of people make it without, and let people add it when they get their serving. I'm personally not wild about the flavor.

[Haole Girl]

2. Check this out...

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1626,159166-239200,00.html

[Trigger Hippie]

3. sorry misunderstood..

never mind

[SacredCow]

4. There really is no right or wrong recipe for gumbo....

but some are more "authentic" than others.

This one looks pretty simple and is basically how I make mine with a few substitutions and omissions.

http://www.cajunsausage.com/Folse.htm

[China_cat]

5. In the spring

go out in the woods and gather young sassafras leaves. Dry them and grind them into a powder. That's what file is.