Chicken & Sausage File Gumbo Recipe

Directions:

1. Put the chicken in a pot and add enough water just to cover. Boil just until done.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot, reserving the liquid. When the chicken cools enough to handle, remove the skin, take the meat off the bones and cut into bite sized pieces. Set aside.
3. Melt the butter and oil in a large pot over medium high heat, then add the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, until it is a medium brown, lowering the heat to avoid burning, if necessary.
4. Add the sausage, ham, onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
5. Add about 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth, the chicken, and all seasonings except the file powder. Stir in the rest of the reserved chicken broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for one hour, uncovered.
7. Remove from the heat, stir in the file powder, then let stand for 5 minutes.
8. Serve over steamed rice.