Gumbo is a stew-like dish that originated in Louisiana. It's typically made of a strongly flavored stock, a thickener (okra, filé powder, or roux), meat and/or shellfish and vegetables. Louisiana’s signature dish, like the state itself, is a mix of several cultures combining French, Spanish, African, German, Italian, Choctaw and Cherokee culinary styles. Gumbo was invented in the early 19th century when people of different cultures lived together within a small area and the cultures influenced one another.

Several different varieties exist. Creole gumbo generally contains shellfish, tomatoes, and a thickener. Cajun gumbo is based on a dark roux and is spicier, with either shellfish or fowl. Sausage or ham is often added to gumbos of either variety. After the base is prepared, vegetables are cooked down, and then meat is added. The dish simmers for a minimum of three hours, with shellfish and some spices added near the end. If desired, filé powder is added after the pot is removed from heat. Gumbo is traditionally served hot, over rice, directly from the pot from which it was cooked.



Gumbo is just one of New Orleans’ signature foods. Don’t miss the chance to sample these other popular dishes:

Crawfish étouffée – a thicker stew, chock full of crawfish (or shrimp). Similar to gumbo, and served over rice, it’s also made with a roux, though in this case a “blonde” roux which gives it a lighter color and a very different flavor.

Jambalaya – a traditional rice dish with ingredients ranging from chicken, sausage, seafood or a mixture of the three.

Muffulettas – this sandwich, served on an entire round of Italian bread, is piled high with Provolone cheese, Genoa salami, Cappicola ham and then topped with olive salad (chopped, green un-stuffed olives, pimientos, celery, garlic, cocktail onions, capers, oregano, parsley, olive oil, red-wine vinegar, salt and pepper).

Po-Boys – a French bread sandwich filled with fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, soft-shell crab, or roast beef smothered in gravy and topped off with pickles, hot sauce, lettuce, mayo, etc. Order like a local and request your sandwich "dressed" – which means you want all of the toppings.

Beignets – perhaps the city’s most famous food, these donut-like treats, covered in powdered sugar, are not to be missed. They can be found at locations across the city, the most famous being Café Du Monde and Café Beignet.

Now that you know what to eat, head over to www.dsp.org/gcc to plan the rest of your Congress trip. Let the good times roll August 16-20, 2017! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

By: Stacy Heyderhoff, Cincinnati Alumni