Easy Cajun Gumbo
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Easy Cajun Gumbo
If you have never been to Louisiana, then it's very possible you have never experienced true gumbo at it's best. Gumbo is said to be one of the oldest dishes known to Louisiana Cajun cooking. It is also one of the main dishes served during the Mardi Gras celebration.
Interestingly enough, seafood gumbo was not the original gumbo. Most gumbos contained owl, squirrel and muskrat. Even more interesting is the fact that gumbo was actually an African-American dish and had very little to do with the French. But there are some who would disagree. A few believe that gumbo came from a French Doctor who introduced the dish to an African tribe, while others believe that gumbo came from the Acadians or better known as the Cajuns. Yet, the fact is, gumbo got its name as a part of Africa's word for okra, which was used to thicken African stew.
Interestingly enough, seafood gumbo was not the original gumbo. Most gumbos contained owl, squirrel and muskrat. Even more interesting is the fact that gumbo was actually an African-American dish and had very little to do with the French. But there are some who would disagree. A few believe that gumbo came from a French Doctor who introduced the dish to an African tribe, while others believe that gumbo came from the Acadians or better known as the Cajuns. Yet, the fact is, gumbo got its name as a part of Africa's word for okra, which was used to thicken African stew.
Gumbo is Fun to Make
Making Gumbo is a Family Affair!
The two most important things about a true Louisiana gumbo to remember are, the rice and the thickness. Without them, the gumbo isn't a gumbo.The rice in a gumbo is usually made with white rice, but today's gumbo may be created with brown or even wild rice. Some cooks will add the rice to the gumbo itself, but traditionally gumbo is served over the rice.
The thickness in a gumbo is generally achieved using a roux, file or okra. Most will say that there is no substitute for roux (browned flour), while others will tell you that okra is a wonderful thickening ingredient. And although the Native Americans once used file powder (ground sassafras) as a thickener, it is rarely used in cooking gumbos today, although some people will add filet to their gumbo at the table.
Gumbo Ingredients
Shrimp Gumbo, Seafood Gumbo, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo...
Variations of gumbo's ingredients include everything from crawfish and shrimp to chicken and sausage. For most gumbo lovers, it is rare to find an ingredient that hasn't been tried in this Louisiana favorite.
The most unique and rare however, is a gumbo known as Z'Herbes. This flavorful gumbo is a meatless soup that includes a variety of greens vegetables and herbs, and is generally served on Good Friday. There is also a unique tradition behind this gumbo for some. It is said that the more greens you add to the gumbo, the more friends you will make in the coming year.
The most unique and rare however, is a gumbo known as Z'Herbes. This flavorful gumbo is a meatless soup that includes a variety of greens vegetables and herbs, and is generally served on Good Friday. There is also a unique tradition behind this gumbo for some. It is said that the more greens you add to the gumbo, the more friends you will make in the coming year.
Easy Cajun Gumbo
More on Gumbo
Louisian Cajun Gumbo
Cajun or Creole Gumbo is Great
Today's gumbo is made with nearly any ingredient that can be thrown in a pot and can be found in almost any household around the world. Still, for most true gumbo lovers, a traditional Louisiana seafood gumbo is still the only way to go.
And then there is still the question of, where does gumbo truly originate? Is it a Cajun recipe or maybe a Creole recipe? Or did it come from some other place still unknown to gumbo enthusiasts. No matter where the true origin of gumbo may have begun, one thing is for certain; Louisiana Cajun gumbo will always be a favorite among true gumbo lovers everywhere.
And then there is still the question of, where does gumbo truly originate? Is it a Cajun recipe or maybe a Creole recipe? Or did it come from some other place still unknown to gumbo enthusiasts. No matter where the true origin of gumbo may have begun, one thing is for certain; Louisiana Cajun gumbo will always be a favorite among true gumbo lovers everywhere.
Easy Seafood Gumbo Recipe
Learn How to Make Seafood Gumbo
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Reader Feedback
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PopArtGirl
Sep 3, 2011 @ 7:48 pm | delete
- Mmm mmm - gumbo is, without a doubt, one of the best foods in the world! Great lens!
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AnnaleeBlysse Mar 10, 2011 @ 2:35 pm | delete
- What a useful video for people that want to learn to make gumbo. Here’s a virtual string of Mardi Gras beads for you!
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luvmyludwig
Sep 10, 2010 @ 11:05 am | delete
- I love gumbo. My great granny was Cajun. I didn't know here, but my granny picked up some of the dishes as a small child. Gumbo is one of my favs.
Great job on this one.
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Sep 5, 2010 @ 1:11 pm | delete
- Thumbs up!
Great lens... very informative. Thanks for the good read.
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rtyndall
Dec 16, 2009 @ 5:10 pm | delete
- Nice lens. I've been to New Orleans and had the Jambalaya, Cat Fish Pie and Fillet Gumbo.
I love it. 5* and I am going to lens roll you.
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