File (pronounced fee-lay) powder is ground dried sassafras leaves from trees that grow along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. First used by the Choctaw Indians, it is commonly used today to flavor and thicken gumbo. It becomes stringy when boiled and should be added to gumbo after the gumbo pot is taken off the heat. It is available in most supermarkets and in some specialty food stores.

Filed Under: Kitchen Tips