Gumbo File

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon of lard
• 1 Tablespoon of flour
• Chopped onion
• Chicken chopped to pieces
• Diced slice of ham
• 2-3 Pods of red pepper
• Salt
• 3 Dozen Oysters in their own liquor
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Filet seasoning

Directions

1. Add equal parts of pure lard and flour into saucepan 
2. Stir until roux is light brown
3. Add chopped onions into roux and stir 'til soft
4. Add chopped chicken into saucepan
5. Add diced ham(continue stirring throughout)
6. Add 2-3 Pods of red pepper
7. Salt to your personal taste
8. Add quart of hot water
9. Let simmer for 2  1/2 hours
10. 2 hours and 15 minutes in, add 3 dozen raw oysters and oyster liquor
11. Let simmer for remaining 15 minutes 
12. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Filet before serving
13. Serve hot over rice and enjoy!

Source — Cooking in Old Créole Days.
Prepared by Andrew Bays
Louisiana Anthology
July 16, 2017