[1] Gumbo filé powder is made from dried sassafras leaves. I found a version made by Zatarain's in the spice section of my local grocery store. If you have trouble finding it, it's also available on the Internet from Williams Sonoma, Amazon, and a host of other purveyors. A small jar will last you a long time. Although you technically don't need it because you are using okra, which will also thicken your sauce, I add it because I think it gives my jambalaya more pizzazz. Don't despair if you can't find it—your jambalaya will still be very good without it.
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