New Orleans Gumbo Recipes

Gumbo is a spicy, hearty stew or soup, found typically in the states on the Gulf of Mexico in the United States, and very common in the southern part of Louisiana. It is eaten year round, but is usually found during the colder months. This is due to the extended cooking time required, as a large pot full Gumbo has been called the greatest contribution of Louisiana kitchens to American cuisine. When the first French settlers came to Louisiana, they brought their love for bouillabaisse, a highly seasoned fish stew. Having none of the usual ingredients necessary to make a typical French bouillabaisse, they substituted local ingredients.

Gumbo is made in as many different ways as there are parishes in Louisiana. Our gumbo is dark and sultry. The andouille or smoked sausage is the most important ingredient in this dish. (view complete Gumbo Recipe List)

New Orleans Red Beans and Rice Recipes

Red beans and rice is an emblematic dish of Louisiana Creole cuisine (not originally of Cajun cuisine), traditionally made on Mondays with red beans, rice, spices, and pork bones left over from Sunday dinner, cooked together slowly in a pot and served over rice. It is an old custom from the time when ham was a Sunday meal and Monday was washday. A pot of beans could sit on the stove and simmer while the women were busy scrubbing clothes. (view complete Red Beans and Rice Recipe List)

New Orleans Pralines Recipes

Classic Pralines of New Orleans
You most certainly have often heard of, that one should partake when visiting New Orleans Mardi Gras.

Pralines were named for the French diplomat César du Plessis-Praslin, later Duc de Choiseul. The praline (originally spelled prasline) is said to be named after the French soldier and diplomat Marshal du Plessis-Praslin (1598-1675), whose cook supposedly invented it. The cook, Clément Lassagne, after retiring from the marshal's service, is said to have founded the Maison de la Praline, a confectioner's shop which still exists in Montargis, 110 km south of Paris. The name has certainly existed since the 18th century, but there is no secure connection with the Marshal or his cook. (view complete Pralines Recipe List)