The Inside Scoop on Louisiana Gumbo
It's always gumbo season in Louisiana! Here’s what you need to know about the state’s favorite dish.
It's always gumbo season in Louisiana! Here’s what you need to know about the state’s favorite dish.
Louisiana has adopted an official state drink (milk), an official state fruit (strawberry) and two official jellies (sugar cane and mayhaw). In 2004, the state finally declared gumbo as the official state dish. This dinner staple is so close to Louisiana's heart that its melting-pot culture is often described by the word “gumbo."
How Did Gumbo Get its Name?
The specifics on Louisiana gumbo's origins, unfortunately, are a little uncertain, but the name gumbo comes from the West African word for okra, “ki ngombo.” Okra was used as a thickener and some gumbo recipes still incorporate the pods. Filé powder, which is ground sassafras, is another ingredient traditionally used for thickening and flavor. Some add a dash of the powder at the table and some pass on the powder altogether.
No two gumbo recipes are the same, and you’ll find regional differences, but most start with a thickening base of roux, or flour cooked in oil or butter. The "trinity” — chopped onions, bell peppers and celery — are added, along with stock and seasonings.
The two most popular kinds you’ll find dished out at local restaurants are chicken-and-sausage gumbo and seafood gumbo. Seafood gumbo might include any kind of combination of shrimp, crab, oysters or crawfish. But there are countless variations. Some add duck or even steak or turkey. Gumbo z’herbes, or green gumbo, is made without meat — just greens and herbs — and is a Lenten favorite. No matter where you go and what kind you order, one thing’s for sure: Gumbo is always served atop a nice scoop of rice.
Traditional Gumbo Recipes
When Food Network chef Bobby Flay chose to "throw down" with New Orleans' own Poppy Tooker to see who makes the best gumbo, he tangled with the wrong woman. Tooker walked away the winner, and now you can create the same dish in your own kitchen. Try Poppy Tooker's seafood gumbo recipe or try this recipe if you prefer chicken and sausage.
Louisiana gumbo comes in a variety of flavors and styles.
Gumbo Festivals
Throughout the Bayou State, many communities honor gumbo with annual celebrations. We've listed a few of the most popular festivals below, but be sure to check out our complete list of gumbo festivals.
Louisiana Gumbo Festival: This celebration is held each October in Chackbay. Here, the dish is often served with a scoop of potato salad in the bowl or on the side.
World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off: At this three-day festival in New Iberia, you can spend the day sampling the best in the world of gumbo! In between bites, groove to the live Cajun and country music.
Top 5 Places to Try Gumbo in Louisiana
- Dooky Chase's: A New Orleans treasure serving up gumbo Creole-style.
- Pat's of Henderson: This Lake Charles staple offers the classic seafood gumbo and chicken & sausage gumbo, plus shrimp & okra gumbo and crawfish gumbo. You'll want to try them all!
- Prejean’s: Based in Lafayette, their pheasant, quail and andouille gumbo has been a favorite, featured at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
- Abby Singer's Bistro: This popular spot in Shreveport features both seafood gumbo and chicken & andouille gumbo. If you can't decide, they're known to mix the two, delivering the best of both worlds.
There are countless eateries serving up variations of gumbo all over the state. Discover more restaurants and immerse yourself in Louisiana's Food Culture.
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