Recipe: Andouille and Chicken Gumbo with File

Andouille & Chicken Gumbo With File

4 pound hen -- (4 to 6)
1/2 cup cooking oil
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups onions -- chopped
1 1/2 cups celery -- chopped
3/4 cup green onions -- chopped
4 garlic cloves -- (4 to 5)
1 lb andouille -- sliced
1 lb smoked sausage -- sliced
6 qt water
4 tsp black pepper
file powder to taste
3/4 cup parsley -- chopped
3 cups rice -- cooked

Heat water in large pot. Cut hen into serving pieces. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Brown in hot oil. Remove chicken and set aside. Add flour to drippings. Scrape bottom of skillet to loosen drippings. Make a medium-brown roux. Add onions and celery. Continue cooking 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Add roux to hot water. Stir until dissolved. Add hen, andouille, sausage and remaining salt and pepper. Simmer; remove andouille and sausage, when tender, set aside. Continue cooking until chicken is tender, about 2 hours. Add andouille, sausage, green onions, and parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Cook 15 minutes longer. Add file, allowing 1/4 teaspoon per serving. Makes 4-1/2 quarts. Serve over cooked rice.