"I like to serve my gumbo with some filé powder on the side for sprinkling on top," De Witt comments. If you're not familiar ...

which is used in some recipes as an addition to the dark roux. “Filé powder (or gumbo filé) is made from the dried and ground leaves of the sassafras tree. Native American Choctaw Indians were ...

In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, stirring often, and cook to a medium-brown roux, about 30 minutes.