Okay, I'm still working on the perfect gumbo seasoning mix.

[flamin lib]

I've got one I think is close but there's a sort of bitter after taste on the back of my tongue. I'm thinking it may be inferior ingredients, particularly paprika and chili powder.

Any help with a source for both that is assured to be top shelf? Price be damned! I'm talkin' NOLA gumbo here!

[TygrBright]

1. File' powder. It's not gumbo without file'. n/t

[TonyPDX]

2. Hmm. Gumbo recipes abound, but I've never seen or used either paprika or chili powder.

Now I'm not from N'awlins but I grew up on the Gulf Coast. This recipe omits okra (an essential ingredient in the gumbo's I'm familiar with), but otherwise is more or less what I grew up eating. If you can't get your recipe to work for you give it a try. Good luck.

[dem in texas]

3. Okra and File Powder

Sounds like a good recipe,can add use shrimp too. I think okra is used more in Texas Cajun cooking, growing up in Texas, I always saw okra in gumbo, but not when I went to New Orleans. The file taste doesn't last long, you should add the file powder just before serving the gumbo.

[flamin lib]

4. Paprika and chili powder show up in most cajun and creole

spice mixes along with onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano and basil.

Okra and file are used as thickening agents but never together.

[TonyPDX]

5. Yes, in spice mixes.

[trof]

6. I never heard of a gumbo seasoning mix.

Miz t. is 100% Cajun. I'll ask her.