Does it give flavor or just act as a thickening agent?
2007-05-02 16:22:36 · 8 answers · asked by wolfdance1978 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
File is the ground leaves of the sassafrass tree. It has a very distinctive flavor and it sometimes is used as a thickening agent in lieu of okra, which is silly because gumbo isn't really gumbo without okra, hence its name (gumbo means okra in Bantu). Personally, I like both of them in my gumbo. To get the full flavor of file it should be sprinked on immediately before eating.
2007-05-02 16:32:06 · answer #1 · answered by Cheffy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a thickening agent but I also think that it adds a little flavor.
2007-05-02 23:30:17 · answer #2 · answered by dswinkphn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's cooked into th egumbo, it will thicken it. It also adds flavor. I grew up in south Louisiana, and we only ever sprinkled it over our rice, prior to dousing w/ gumbo!
File is ground sassafras leaves.
2007-05-02 23:44:29 · answer #3 · answered by Sugar Pie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In creole or cajun cooking, filet or a roux is used as a thickening agent. It depends on which side you lean...a roux takes a bit of time, although well worth it. But there are those that think filet is the way to go. Louisiana is a diverse culture, steaming with native american, african and french influences. Go with what you like, filet has a distinct flavor, as it is okra based. A roux has a carmelized deeper flavor, in my opinion, as it is equal amount of flour and fat, in Louisiana, It maybe lard or bacon grease, cooked until a nice chocolate color.
2007-05-02 23:39:48 · answer #4 · answered by bikergal34 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think I have heard that it is made from the sycamore tree - or was it the sassafras tree. Sorry, I can't remember. I do remember that you are not supposed to put it on till right before you eat it. I never notice any flavor.
2007-05-02 23:31:45 · answer #5 · answered by mamacedar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a thickening agent. okra may also be used and is a more common variety in the south.
2007-05-02 23:26:05 · answer #6 · answered by karchar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
File is added as you are ready to eat it.I never use it as a thickener.File is ground sassafras root, a stomach soother(like when you over eat)...Good question..
2007-05-03 12:17:46 · answer #7 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it makes it sticky and thickens it..
2007-05-02 23:33:31 · answer #8 · answered by Manik 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋