Gumbo

October 9gumbo

I am thankful for gumbo. Gumbo is a very thick soup, composed of a thickened base, a roux, and a meat or seafood. Gumbo originated in the 18th century in south Louisiana. It's thick, dark texture is further enhanced and thickened by adding rice prior to eating it. The name of gumbo is probably derived from similar sounding words West African Bantu and Choctaw Indian words for file' (ground sassafras) or okra, both of which have been added to many gumbos. Gumbo is a very tasty soup and can be quite wonderful if spiced correctly. It is the official food of Louisiana.

Because gumbo was generally composed of whatever was on hand in the kitchen of the chef, and because it was derived from the merging of several different cultures, the name gumbo also came to represent a mixture of cultures, which occurred in Louisiana. Therefore, gumbo can mean a tasty food or a mixing of different cultures to form a new and unique culture of its own. I like that.t

While we were in Gulfport on our anniversary trip, Bebe and I ate at a cajun restaurant, surprisingly, of which there are many on the Gulf coast. While I got oysters, she ordered gumbo. This is a photo of hers.

gumbo

when it comes to food

i am no dumbo

give me some french bread

and a bowl of gumbo

dark and thick

steamy and spicy

i love my gumbo

a little bit ricey.

© rt tulley