One of the great things about the United States being so big is that it incorporates a wide variety of regional cuisines. One style that has been popular for years is Cajun cuisine. Cajun cuisine is known for its spicy flavor and heartiness, and is a style of cooking that developed in the southern United States after French-speaking Acadian immigrants fled Canada in the 18th century. To this day, Cajun dishes are popular across the country. Despite their popularity, there might be some interesting things you don’t know about Cajun cuisine, so this article will take a closer look at some things you should know about Cajun food.
- Cajun is Not Creole: The first thing to know is that Cajun cuisine and Creole cuisine are not the same thing and never have been. While the terms can be used interchangeably by those who don’t know better, the difference between Cajun and Creole is more than just cuisine. They are, in fact, two distinct cultures that developed about seventy miles apart. Cajun culture, as mentioned before, developed from French-speaking Acadians who moved south after leaving Canada. Creole culture, by contrast, developed from French and Spanish immigrants who moved to Louisiana, where their cooking traditions subsequently blended together.
- Gumbos are Popular in Cajun Cuisine: Another interesting thing to know about Cajun food is that gumbos are a very popular type of dish in Cajun cuisine. According to My Recipes, gumbo is a kind of thick soup that can be spooned over rice (or eaten separately as its own dish). Though there are a wide variety of Cajun dishes, gumbo remains one of the most popular and well-known.
- Cajun Food Has a Lot of Crawfish: And finally, a third thing to know about Cajun dishes is that they can frequently feature crawfish. Crawfish (also known as crawdads), look like small lobsters, and in fact are also known as freshwater lobsters. Many cajun dishes will feature boiled crawfish, with traditional Cajun dishes requiring the crawfish to be boiled and eaten whole (head and all). Crawfish can be the main element of a dish, or they can be served alongside other components.
In conclusion, there are several interesting facts that everyone should know about Cajun food. The first and most important thing to know is that Cajun food and Creole food are two distinct things that come from two different cultures, though they are still confused for one another. Also, gumbos are a popular dish in Cajun cuisine, and a lot of Cajun dishes will feature crawfish in some way, shape, or form. All in all, Cajun cuisine is a delicious addition to American cuisine that is enjoyed by many every day.
