Culture of Louisiana - Food

Food

Seasonings such as Cayenne pepper, Tony Chachere's, Zatarain's are prevalent in the cuisine of Louisiana. While the state is predominantly known for its Cajun cuisine, Native American cuisine preceded their contributions.Creole cuisine is influenced by traditional French cooking with Spanish, African, and Indian influences.

Although the food most identified with the state is the Cajun and Creole food of South Louisiana, North Louisiana also has its own unique cuisine. Traditionally, southern style soul food such as smothered pork chops, chicken and dumplings, candied yams, hot water cornbread, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and black-eyed peas are commonly eaten in North Louisiana. For many years, crayfish were not eaten outside of Cajun country. People north of Alexandria were more likely to eat fried chicken or barbecue. Fish fries featuring catfish took the place of crayfish boils. Today, boiled crayfish is served throughout the state.

Other foods popular in Louisiana include Gumbo, Etouffee, Jambalaya, Mufellettas, Po boys, and Red Beans and Rice (traditionally eaten on Monday). Seafood is especially popular in Louisiana either as an ingredient or as a main dish such as Shrimp, Crayfish, Crabs, Oysters and Catfish. Swamp denizens such as Gator or Alligator, Frog Legs, and Turtle Soup is popular around the bayous of south Louisiana.

Famous desserts and snacks include King Cake, beignets, Pralines, Sweet Potato pie and Pecan pie.

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Famous quotes containing the word food:

    Men should not labor foolishly like brutes, but the brain and the body should always, or as much as possible, work and rest together, and then the work will be of such a kind that when the body is hungry the brain will be hungry also, and the same food will suffice for both; otherwise the food which repairs the waste energy of the overwrought body will oppress the sedentary brain, and the degenerate scholar will come to esteem all food vulgar, and all getting a living drudgery.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    When no food is given to the ear,
    Then let a little be given to the stomach.
    Tiruvalluvar (c. 5th century A.D.)

    I believe that every man who has ever been earnest to preserve his higher or poetic faculties in the best condition has been particularly inclined to abstain from animal food, and from much food of any kind.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)