Chicken Gumbo File

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse and prepare the chicken.
2. 2
   Cut the ham into 1/2-inch cubes.
3. 3
   In a 6-quart Dutch oven, saute the chicken in butter for approximately 20 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove the chicken.
5. 5
   Add the ham until brown (approximately 5 minutes).
6. 6
   Remove.
7. 7
   Stir flour into remaining fat in Dutch oven; cook over medium heat, stirring, until flour is browned.
8. 8
   Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until onion is tender.
9. 9
   Add salt, pepper, thyme, red pepper, parsley, bay leaf, tomatoes and 1 cup water; bring to boiling.
10. 10
    Add chicken and ham and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
11. 11
    Next add shrimp and green pepper, simmer for 30 minutes.
12. 12
    Remove the ham, chicken and shrimp. Bring mixture in Dutch oven to a boil.
13. 13
    Stir in the file, cook until it thickens.
14. 14
    Pour sauce over chicken mixture.
15. 15
    Serve over white rice.
16. 16
    Makes 8 servings.