Louisiana chicken gumbo

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
3Lbchicken
4tablespoonsFat, butter or bacon fat
1poundsHam, diced
1mediumOnion, sliced
teaspoonSalt
1quartHot water
2cupsSliced okra
1Sprig thyme
2Dozen oysters
1/16teaspoonCayenne
1tablespoonFile' -OR-
3tablespoonsSassafras leaves

Directions

Cooked Rice

Clean chicken and cut in pieces. Saute chicken in fat in heavy frying pan until browned, turning frequently. Add ham and onion, and saute for about 10 minutes. Add salt and water; bring to a boil, and simmer for about 1½ hours, or until chicken is tender. Add okra and thyme, and simmer for ½ hour longer, or until okra is tender.

Remove chicken from bone and return to stock. Add oysters and cayenne, and cook until edges of oysters curl. Add additional seasoning if needed. Just before serving stir in file' or sassafras leaves. Serve at once in hot tureen with boiled rice, or serve in hot soup bowls.

Serves 6 to 8.

Posted by Earl Shelsby. Courtesy of Fred Peters.