I spent quite a bit of time in the southern United States – Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Louisiana was home to French Settlers who were driven out of Acadia, in Nova Scotia, by the British in the 18th Century. The Cajuns settled in Southern Louisiana and formed tight knit communities who remain to this day. Cajun traditions and culture has a strong influence in the Deep South, and Cajun cooking is famous around the world. Jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp creole, and dirty rice to name just a few are familiar foods in many countries.
Gumbo is a stew that is spicy and loaded with seafood, veggies, and sometimes sausage or chicken. I learned this recipe from a chef who worked in New Orleans’ French Quarter. My family and I eat it every year during oyster season, after the first of the year in Japan. I hope that you enjoy it as much as we do.