Authentic Gumbo Recipe Louisiana, United States of America

This rich, savory stew can be prepared as thin as soup or as thick as stew, and it is typically served over rice and enjoyed as a main course. At its most basic, gumbo is made with a variety of meats or shellfish combined with various vegetables and herbs. Often cited as the perfect example of Louisiana cuisine, gumbo represents three different cultures coming together in a single pot — West African, Native American, and European, although speculation still remains as to the origins and evolution of the dish. The name is derived from the word for okra in a West African language, while the use of dried and ground sassafras leaves called filé was a contribution of the Choctaw Indians and possibly other local tribes. The roux has its origin in French cuisine, although the one used in gumbo is much darker than its European counterpart. Traditionally, gumbos have been divided into two categories — those thickened with okra and those thickened with ... Read more