File Gumbo - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. oil
1 c. flour
2 bunches finely chopped green onions
1 large onion, chopped
1 large boiled, deboned hen or leftover turkey which has been boiled and deboned (either way save stock)
3 doz. oysters and the water
2 lb. ham
2 lb. shrimp (if desired)

Preparation

In a large pot, heat oil until hot.
Add flour and stir constantly until roux is dark brown.
Do this on low heat.
Add onion and green onions.
Let cook 10 minutes.
Add ham and let cook 5 minutes.
Add warmed stock and if necessary, additional water (about 1 gallon).
Bring to a boil and add chicken, turkey, oysters and shrimp.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Also season with parsley, thyme and crushed red pepper.
Simmer 30 minutes. Bring to a boil; turn heat off and ladel in file (about 2 tablespoons).
Serve over rice.