A Quick History of New Orleans Creole Gumbo
Each year, thousands of visitors flock to New Orleans, Louisiana, to experience its rich culture, incredible jazz music, and out-of-this-world cuisine. Home to a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, the food of New Orleans is truly like no other. Perhaps one of the city’s most iconic dishes, Creole gumbo is the perfect testament to the vibrant flavors of New Orleans. Gumbo stands out for its explosive flavor, complexity, and its unique connection to NOLA’s culinary identity.
At New Orleans School of Cooking, we love to help our guests learn how to prepare gumbo, jambalaya, and other iconic Creole and Cajun dishes. Here is a quick history of New Orleans Creole Gumbo:
New Orleans: A True Melting Pot
When taking a look at the history of New Orleans, it’s easy to see why its cuisine has become so vibrant and distinctive. The city is a cultural melting pot with influences from all over the globe! African, French, Spanish, Native American, and Caribbean people have all contributed to the rich history and diverse culinary traditions of the area. “Gumbo,” which is thought to have originated from the West African word “ki ngombo,” is a prime example of the magic that can happen when different cultures come together! Ki ngombo means “okra” in many Bantu languages. Okra became a staple in Louisiana cooking as many enslaved Africans brought the ingredient from their homelands.
Modern-day gumbo combines African and French culinary techniques with Spanish spices and Choctaw ingredients, making the dish a melting pot both culturally and in the literal sense!
What is Creole Gumbo?
New Orleans is home to both Creole and Cajun style cooking. However, Creole gumbo is what you’ll typically find on the menus of NOLA. Creole gumbo is created using a tomato base, unlike Cajun gumbo. Given the city’s proximity to water, seafood such as crap, oysters, and shrimp are a popular addition to the stew. The dish starts with a rich, dark roux, and later, okra and filé powder are added as thickeners. Creole gumbo recipes vary from restaurant to restaurant and family to family. Many add chicken and sausage in addition to seafood for a hearty and flavorful stew! You may often be served fresh rice, French bread, or cornbread in addition to your gumbo. Learn how to make gumbo yourself with a top-rated Creole cooking class in New Orleans!
The History of Creole Cooking in NOLA
The meaning of the term “Creole” has changed over time, much like the cultural landscape and identity of New Orleans. During the 18th century, the term referred to people of French, African, Caribbean, and Spanish descent who were born within the colonies. Later, the term came to refer to a distinct social group within Louisiana, especially in the city.
Creole cooking is characterized by delicious and bold flavors, complex preparations and techniques, and stable ingredients such as tomatoes, herbs, seafood, and unique sauces. Creole gumbo is the perfect example of this cultural explosion, boasting rich flavors, texture, and a vibrant history to match.
African, Native American, and French Influence on Creole Gumbo
African cooking techniques and ingredients are a huge part of what makes Creole cuisine so special and delectable. Their use of okra and one-pot stewing techniques blended with Native American ingredients such as filé powder helped create the foundations for the rich and flavorful gumbo we know and love today.
French culinary practices can also be seen in the preparation of Creole gumbo. Using a roux as a base for stew is a quintessentially French technique. However, Louisiana chefs chose to cook their roux for much longer, resulting in a complex and nutty flavor.
History of Creole Gumbo in NOLA
Since the early 1800s, Creole gumbo has been a popular staple for NOLA residents. There are many recipes dating back to this period and various cookbooks and historical accounts detailing the dish at parties, family dinners, and at restaurants. By the time the 20th century rolled around, the dish had become an essential part of Creole cuisine. You’ll find gumbo on many a table at the best local restaurants in New Orleans, family gatherings, and Mardi Gras celebrations. To this day, gumbo continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike looking for a taste of classic, Louisiana-style cooking!
Learn How to Prepare Creole Gumbo in New Orleans, LA
Want to bring a piece of New Orleans home with you? Take a hands-on cooking class with New Orleans School of Cooking and learn how to prepare delicious chicken gumbo, shrimp etouffee, pralines, shrimp creole, and more! We also offer top-rated cooking demo classes, perfect for your next date night in NOLA. You can also experience the incredible Creole cuisine of Louisiana from anywhere in the world with a virtual cooking class! Book today!