Oyster Gumbo - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 doz. oysters
2 Tbsp. shortening or butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 bay leaf, crushed
1 sprig each: thyme and parsley, minced
1 qt. hot water
2 Tbsp. file
2 qt. oyster liquor
1 large onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

In a heavy pan, make a roux with shortening and flour.
When quite brown, add chopped onion and parsley.
Cook slowly until onion is well browned and very soft.
Add bay leaf, thyme and hot oyster liquor, then add hot water.
Simmer about 15 minutes.
Add drained oysters and continue cooking 5 minutes more.
Remove from heat and gradually stir in 2 tablespoons file.
Serve immediately over cooked rice in soup bowl.
Serves 6 to 8.