filé powder

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[ FEE-lay; fih-LAY ]

Choctaw Indians from the Louisiana bayou country are said to have been the first users of this seasoning made from the ground, dried leaves of the sassafras tree. It's since become an integral part of CREOLE COOKING and is used to thicken and flavor GUMBOS and other Creole dishes. Filé has a woodsy flavor reminiscent of root beer. It must be stirred into a dish after it's removed from the heat because undue cooking makes filé tough and stringy. Filé powder is available in the spice or gourmet section of most large supermarkets. As with all spices, it should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months.

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jasmine

Jul. 12, 2009 7:31 pm

i am trying tis recipe this week but i cant find file powder anywhere. i even went to walmart.

sam

Jul. 29, 2009 5:43 am

can be purchased fro the spice house on line try winn dixie try small grocery stores

dawnita

Aug. 3, 2009 5:21 pm

Where can you find file' powder in the pa

lisa

Sep. 3, 2009 7:29 am

i found file' in a restaurant supply store called The Stock Pot.

tracyd

Oct. 20, 2009 7:02 am

if you live in or near a big urban city, try any African or Carribean market.

crazyinmo

Oct. 21, 2009 3:04 pm

How much do you add? or did I just miss that?

Agatha

Oct. 30, 2009 9:51 pm

Is there any place here in the UK where I can find file powder?

MWPV11

Nov. 13, 2009 5:21 am

I had to go to Florida to get file powder.

farmboywcb

Jan. 2, 2010 7:48 am

Instead of using file powder you can in a small bowl mix 1 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add mixture to any soup and boil for 1 minute to thicken. If you want it thicker, just mix some more. I use about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to 1 quart of liquid already in my soup. Enjoy

Chef Bufo

Jan. 17, 2010 9:04 pm

I bought file powder at a large supermarket (Weigmans). I would like to know why you can only keep it for 6 months. It could get very expensive if you have to buy it that often just for a teaspoon or so in a recipe. Can someone tell me why? It still smells like it did last year.