Wild Rice Gumbo

1/2 cup flour
2 slices bacon, chopped
1 lb beef polska kielbasa, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, sliced
2 bell peppers (assorted color), chopped
4 scallions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14 oz each) chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) beef broth
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 bay leaves
4 cups cooked wild rice
1 lb small raw shrimp, peeled (apx. 50)
1 tbsp file powder (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste
1-2 tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)

Preheat large skillet over medium heat 2 minutes. Add flour; stir constantly until dark beige (approximately 5 minutes - don't scorch). Immediately transfer to plate. In a large saucepan, cook bacon until starting to crisp; add kielbasa, onion, celery, peppers, scallions and garlic. Cover; cook 5 minutes. Uncover. Cook, stirring occasionally until vegetables are lightly browned; stir in flour. Gradually stir in broth; add tomatoes, parsley, Cajun seasoning and bay leaves. Partially cover; simmer 40 minutes. Add wild rice, shrimp and file powder; simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Recipe compliments of the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council