6 tbsp. oil
6 tbsp. flour
2 onions (chopped)
1 clove garlic (chopped)
1/4 c. celery (chopped)
1 green pepper (chopped)
1/2 c. parsley
2 tbsp. (each) salt and pepper
1/2 tsp. Gumbo File
1 chicken (cut into pieces)

Heat oil on high. Add flour and stir constantly until flour is dark brown. Add onion, celery and garlic. Stir until wilted, then add chicken. Add 6 cups hot water. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Add green pepper and parsley to gumbo 5 minutes before removing from heat, then add file. (Shrimp may be added before removing from heat.) Serve with rice.