Chicken Gumbo - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 large stewing chicken, cut up
6 Tbsp. shortening
6 Tbsp. flour
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 c. celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
6 c. hot water
1 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. pepper
1/2 c. fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 to 1 Tbsp. gumbo file

Preparation

In a large heavy saucepan, brown chicken in shortening.
Remove and set aside.
Stir flour in until very brown, making a roux.
Add onion, celery and garlic; cook until slightly wilted.
Gradually add hot water until roux is well blended.
Add chicken and seasonings (except gumbo file).
Cover with a tight-fitting lid and bring to steaming point.
Lower heat and cook until chicken is tender, about 2 hours.
Add parsley 5 minutes before removing from heat.
Add gumbo file.
Serve over cooked rice.