No visit to New Orleans is complete without having sampled gumbo and jambalaya, two essential Louisiana dishes. Though both are single-dish meals, they have some fundamental distinctions.
Louisiana Origins
In Louisiana, though there has been a lot of "cross-breeding" between cuisines. Jambalaya originated in Louisiana's Cajun country, while gumbo originated in New Orleans.
Old-World Origins
Jambalaya has Spanish roots; think of it as a relative of paella without saffron. Gumbo has roots in French bouillabaisse.
Rice
Gumbo is served over rice, but you can't make jambalaya without putting rice in the cooking dish as you go.
Roux
It is impossible to make authentic Louisiana gumbo without making a roux, a cooked flour and oil product that imparts a distinctive flavor to the dish. Jambalaya uses no roux.
Okra vs. Tomato
Authentic gumbo has okra in it, while jambalaya does not. The Creole version of jambalaya contains tomato, while gumbo does not.
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