file powder?

Question

what can I use instead of file powder?

Answer 1

So your making gumbo I LOVE GUMBO! lol
Originally File was used instead of okra when it was out of season so you could add some extra okra not sure if it will be the same though. If you have the ingredients then you could make your own.
How to make homemade Filé Powder

Locate a Sassafras tree and take some branches containing the younger, more tender leaves.

Hang the branches outside to dry (preferably out of the direct sun) for about one week.

When the leaves are completely dry, remove the leaves from the stems and pulverize very well in a mortar and pestle, or an electric coffee grinder as I did.

Pass the powder through a very fine sieve, or a metal coned coffee filter as I did. It was a painstaking process as the mesh was too fine, but it worked to remove all of the little twigs, and tough pieces.

Store in an airtight container and keep out of the sunlight.

Answer 2

What Is File Powder

Answer 3

I would use Creole Seasoning in it's place.

Flé Ppowder

Definition: [FEE-lay; fih-LAY] Choctaw Indians from the Louisiana bayou country are said to have been the first users of this seasoning made from the ground, dried leaves of the sassafras tree. It's since become an integral part of creole cooking and is used to thicken and flavor gumbos and other Creole dishes. Filé has a woodsy flavor reminiscent of root beer. It must be stirred into a dish after it's removed from the heat because undue cooking makes filé tough and stringy. Filé powder is available in the spice or gourmet section of most large supermarkets. As with all spices, it should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
file powder?
what can I use instead of file powder?

Answer 5

I don't know, since file powder is powdered sassafras leaves. We have lots of sassafras trees on our property, I'd send you some but it's the dead of winter and they lost their leaves. Try checking online at http://www.myspicer.com

some cool info about file, it was used as an okra substitute for gumbos:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fil%C3%A9_powder

Answer 6

Taste wise there is no substitute. File is ground sassafrass and it has a pretty distinct flavor.

Answer 7

this is used in creole and cajun cooking - I have used it in gumbos. there really isn't a substitute for this if you want to make authentic cajun/creole dishes...