This recipe is Southern "gumbo-inspired," naturally thickened by its ingredients, butternut squash and the Cajun magic addition of filé (ground sassafras leaves). No need for the roux - the French base made of flour and oil. An invention of my Northern kitchen, the recipe starts with a simple sauté of garlic, shallot and serrano peppers in butter. Easy and elegant, from start to velvety finish, prep takes about an hour.

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