Seafood File Gumbo

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb. crab meat
• 1/4 cup file powder
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes until it is a deep golden brown.
3. Add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the chicken broth, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, and bay leaves and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Add the shrimp and crab meat and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Stir in the file powder and green onions and cook for 5 more minutes.
8. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Gumbo is a traditional dish in Louisiana and can be made with a variety of ingredients.
• File powder is made from the ground leaves of the sassafras tree and is a key ingredient in gumbo.
• This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish.