It’s all comes down to the role of rice.
Key Takeaways
Gumboandjambalayaare classic Louisiana dishes that have become popular across the country.
The main difference between the two is the role of the rice, which is integral to both.
Credit:Dotdash Meredith
Gumbo is served with rice that is cooked separately, but rice goes into the jambalaya pot.
Now I get it."
Dotdash Meredith
Gumbo
Gumbo is a Louisiana stew (or soup if brothy!)
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
that dates back to the early 18th century.
Some roux are cooked only until light golden blond.
Culinary historians teach us that the word gumbo derives from a West African word for okra.
(The roots and bark of this same plant were the original base for root beer.)
“While Creole gumbo often uses shellfish.”
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a rice dish originating in the early 18th century in Southern Louisiana.
Like gumbo, you’ll see crowd-pleasing jambalaya at Mardi Gras and other celebrations.
Like gumbo, this dish also has its own festival.
Jambalaya Is A Rice Dish
Rice is a key ingredient in jambalayanot just an accompaniment.
A standard jambalaya includes rice, protein, vegetables, and spices.
Cajun Vs. Creole Jambalaya
Creole jambalaya, also known as red jambalaya, contains tomatoes.
Cajun or brown jambalaya does not.
Jambalaya isn’t thickened with roux, although some cooks do include a little skillet-browned flour.
(In contrast, many gumbo cooks take umbrage when people add hot sauce.)
Much depends on who stirred the pot, then and now.
ForSouthern Livinggumbo recipes, check out seafood-based, chicken-based, meatless, or a mix of everything.
We also have classic jambalaya recipes or modern ones that use a sheet pan or Instant Pot.
Go bigcelebrate the food of Mardi Graswithsavory Fat Tuesday dishesand something sweet likeking cakeorbeignets.
Louisiana cuisine has something delicious for everyone to eat!
Texas A&M Extension: Department of Horticulture.
New Orleans.com.New Orleans Jambalaya.
Miller VT.For whom the bell grows: A brief history of the cajun holy trinity.
Louisiana State University AgCenter.
