| When you talk about Cajun cuisine, I'm sure you have | | | | gumbo. |
| probably heard the word Gumbo. But have you ever | | | | In fact, if the okra is really fresh and sliced really thin, |
| wondered what gumbo is? | | | | there will be no visible evidence of the okra once the |
| The word gumbo literally means Okra. The French | | | | gumbo is cooked. The only thing is will leave behind is a |
| settlers in the Louisiana territory had trouble finding their | | | | wonderful flavor. Even if whole pieces of okra remain |
| usual ingredients for their French dishes so they | | | | in the gumbo dish, it will be very soft. It is not slimy at all |
| substituted with the common local ingredients. These | | | | and it tastes really good. |
| were mainly, fish, okra and shrimp. | | | | There are alternatives to okra that people will use and |
| Gumbo consists of two basic ingredients. These | | | | try to pass the dish off as gumbo. The usual |
| ingredients are rice and broth. The rice used in gumbo | | | | alternative thickening agent is a powder that is made |
| is traditionally white rice that is steamed or boiled. A | | | | from dried sassafras leaves. |
| touch of salt and/or vinegar may be added for flavor. | | | | But this dried sassafras powder can become gummy |
| The broth for gumbo is where the differences come | | | | when boiled. It must not be simmered in the soup, but |
| in. Broth may be made from a variety of things. A | | | | must be added right before serving or it can be |
| very common type of gumbo broth includes shrimp, | | | | sprinkled on each individual dish at the table. This |
| crab and oysters. But the variety doesn't stop there. | | | | powder is used when okra is not in season. But when |
| There is gumbo broth that is made with chicken, duck, | | | | sassafras powder is used, the dish really shouldn't be |
| turkey and even quail. | | | | called gumbo. |
| True gumbo will contain okra. While some people may | | | | So there you have the basics for gumbo. If youre into |
| think of okra as a disgusting, gelatinous vegetable, this | | | | Cajun cooking or ready to get started cooking Cajun, |
| is not an accurate description once it is cooked in a | | | | start by finding some great gumbo recipes. These |
| gumbo dish. | | | | recipes are relatively easy to make and can be a |
| The gelatinous fibers in the okra will dissolve when | | | | delicious addition to your weekly dinner menu. |
| heated and it will serve as a thickening agent for the | | | | |