Creole and Cajun Cuisine - Louisiana

united States of Mmmerica creole and cajun cuisine Louisiana is home to unique types of cuisine: Creole and Cajun. CREOLE Louisiana Did U Know CAJUN The term Creole became used to describe the second generation of Europeans in the colony, that is, those who were born in Louisiana. CREOLE CUISINE Spanish French BLEND OF DIFFERENT CULTURES Africa Native American Italian Did U Know OYSTERS MORE EXOTIC FOODS SHRIMPS CREOLE The Cajuns, on the other hand, were French speakers who moved to the region from Acadia, or what now Nova Scotia, after losing the French and Indian war and being forced out. The term Cajun is derived from the word Acadian. INGREDIENTS IN BOTH THE CUISINES CAJUN PLANTS ALLIGATOR RABBIT SQUIRREL CHOPPED ONIONS Did U Know HOLY TRINITY The holy trinity of spices is the name given to the spice mixture common in Creole and Cajun cuisine. CELERY BELL PEPPER RED BEANS AND RICE Red beans and rice is a staple in Creole cuisine, made from the named ingredients in addition to the holy trinity of spices and sometimes pork. SPECIALITIES This dish is one of the few mild dishes in Louisiana cuisine, though it is usually served with hot sauce on the table. CRAWFISH BOIL GUMBO Craw fish are eaten in a Gumbo is a stew made of many ingredients, including meats like shellfish, sausage, poultry or pork, vegetables, and spices. variety of ways, but one of the most popular is an event known as a crawfish boil. Crawfish festivals and vari- ous events are held every summer across the state. Whole crawfish are dropped into boiling water by some- one known as a boil master, seasoned with spices like cayenne and hot sauce, and strained. The word gumbo likely came from an African JAMBALAYA (Bantu) word for okra, which is traditionally used as a thickening agent in the Jambalaya is a rice dish in Creole and Cajun cuisine that has roots in Spanish paella. Made with meat like chicken or andouille sausage, seafood, the holy trinity of spices, stock, and rice, this dish is an example of a one-pot meal stew. Cajun jambalaya is more brown than red, and does not include tomatoes. Cajun jambalaya also of ten includes local meats, like crawfish, alligator, or turtle.