Made from the powdered leaves of the sassafras tree, file powder is an essential ingredient in Cajun cooking. The Choctaw Indians, native to Louisiana, were the original users of this bayou spice.
Reminiscent in taste to genuine root beer, file powder acts as a thickener for soups, stews, and the traditional Cajun gumbo. It should be added after the dish has been removed from the heat, as the file will turn tough and stringy when overcooked.
