Serves 8

Ingredients:

1/4 cup oil
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups onion, chopped
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup celery, diced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/3 cup dried parsley
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 cups sliced Cajun-style fresh link sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 cups sliced frozen okra
2 cups oysters with juice
1/2 pound crabmeat
1 1/2 pounds fresh peeled shrimp
3 cups bay scallops
File powder

In a large pot combine oil and flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture has browned to a light peanut butter color. Add the onion, pepper, celery and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly stir in chicken broth. Add the water, bay leaves, thyme, basil, parsley, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, soy sauce and tomatoes. Add the sausage and okra. Cover pot and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Add the oysters, crabmeat, shrimp and scallops. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Serve over hot buttered rice. Sprinkle with file powder on top of bowl and stir in.