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Let the good times roll!
The culture of New Orleans is very distinct, and very influenced by other cultures; French, Spanish, Italian, African, Native American, Cajun, and a hint of Cuban. New Orleans is famous for Cajun, and Creole cuisine. Creole culture is very distinct, and diverse. Creole cuisine has become the signature culture of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Spanish and Canarian influence on this culture was peppers, citrus juice marinades, rice, and beans. Italians and Spaniards brought the frequent usage of tomatoes, which was not common is French cuisine prior to this era. Italians and Greeks later brought pastas and tomato sauces to the culture. Gumbo is one of the most notorious Creole dishes in south Louisiana. Gumbo is a stew based on seafood, sausage, or beef. “Holy Trinity” –chopped celery, bell peppers, and onions- is incorporated in the stew, and served over rice. Another example of common Creole cuisine is Red Beans and Rice. This dish is made with red beans, the “Holy Trinity”, various spices, pork bones, and served over rice. Meats, rice, and beans are some of the most widespread ingredients in Creole cuisine.
The culture of New Orleans is very distinct, and very influenced by other cultures; French, Spanish, Italian, African, Native American, Cajun, and a hint of Cuban. New Orleans is famous for Cajun, and Creole cuisine. Creole culture is very distinct, and diverse. Creole cuisine has become the signature culture of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Spanish and Canarian influence on this culture was peppers, citrus juice marinades, rice, and beans. Italians and Spaniards brought the frequent usage of tomatoes, which was not common is French cuisine prior to this era. Italians and Greeks later brought pastas and tomato sauces to the culture. Gumbo is one of the most notorious Creole dishes in south Louisiana. Gumbo is a stew based on seafood, sausage, or beef. “Holy Trinity” –chopped celery, bell peppers, and onions- is incorporated in the stew, and served over rice. Another example of common Creole cuisine is Red Beans and Rice. This dish is made with red beans, the “Holy Trinity”, various spices, pork bones, and served over rice. Meats, rice, and beans are some of the most widespread ingredients in Creole cuisine.
Cajun cuisine is named after the immigrants deported to Louisiana by the British and were called “Cajun.” Cajun cooking usually involves three pots; one pot has focus on the main dish, the second pot is dedicated to steamed rice, a grain dish, or cornbread, and the third pot is dedicated to vegetables. The “Holy Trinity”, made up of bell peppers, celery, and onion is also present is Cajun cuisine. “Cajuns” adapted the French rustic ingredients, including rice, crawfish, sugar cane, and sassafrass. African, French, Spanish, and Native American cuisine influenced Cajun food. Barbequing, boiling, deep frying, étouffée, frying, stewing and many more culinary techniques are part of everyday Cajun cooking.
New Orleans is a city of many cultures, and a must-see destination.
Photo Courtesy of: Anatomy of a Dinner Party
