4 tbsp. oil
2 tbsp. flour
1 lg. onion, cut up
1 c. celery
3 or more pods garlic
2 tbsp. parsley
1 qt. water
1 tsp. salt or to taste
Red or black pepper to taste
3 lbs. peeled shrimp, raw
1 can crab meat, raw
1 can tomatoes (not paste or sauce)
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp. file

Simmer onions and celery until tender in oil. Add flour until dissolved. Add tomatoes, garlic, parsley, water, salt, pepper, shrimp and bay leaf. Cook for about 30 minutes. Add 1 can crab meat and cook 15 minutes longer. If desired, you can add oysters.

Add file after all above is cooked; turn heat off before adding file, and cover pot.