Gumbo filé (pronounced fee-lay), or filé powder, is made from dried sassafras leaves. It is essential in traditional Creole dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, as well as in other soups as a seasoning or thickener. Simply sprinkle seasoning into soups or stews after cooking and just before serving.
Traditional Creole gumbo is made with roux, shrimp, sausage, and crabmeat, chicken and of course filé,