Origin of Gumbo

Gumbo is a stew or soup originating in Louisiana which is for the most part popular across the Gulf Coast and southern portion of the United States.  Having originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, basically named by the French, gumbo is the product of the melting of cultures in Louisiana history. The dish itself is based on the French soup bouillabaisse, added with the "Holy Trinity," (celery, onions and green peppers) which is of Spanish origin and the use of file' powder (ground sassafras leaves) which is a Native American contribution of the Choctaw Indians. Last, but not least, African slaves brought okra, food from their native country. In numerous pictures of the present day, you will notice crawfish, but they weren't used for anything else but lures until the mid 1900's. Many of the first meats used in gumbos were whatever thing that could trapped or shot, as well as, but not limited to squirrel, muskrat, possum, etc. Seafoods included shrimp. Oysters, scallops, etc.

Gumbo has a very rich taste and thick quality, and comes from the cooking traditions of the French, Spanish, Indian and African settlers and inhabitants of the area. Gumbo has been called the ultimate addition to American cuisine by the Louisiana kitchens. Gumbo was introduced by black cooks to the white slave owners. Gumbos can be loosely separated into two categories: Those using okra as a thickener, those thickened with file' powder, however all gumbos will exclusively include roux.   

Even though the the dish may well be recognized exclusive to Louisiana, the nearby states of Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, as well as the area in close proximity to Charleston, South Carolina, and Brunswick, Georgia get pleasure from the tastes and reputation of producing a lovely old fashioned gumbo.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/history-articles/origin-of-gumbo-1393577.html

If you're interested in learning a lot more about the origin of gumbo, please visit my site at http://www.Squidoo.Com/originofgumbo. The site goes into more detail and as I gather more information, the site will be updated. For original gumbo recipes, you can always visit my favorite site at: Http://www.Gumborecipe.Info