Louisiana's Culinary Hall of Fame Part 2

Louisiana has too many signature dishes to fit in a single article. Check out the Culinary Hall of Fame Part I to see what other famous dishes you'll be drooling over.

Gumbo

What is it? An irresistible combination of rice, roux (butter or oil mixed with flour), seafood or meat, vegetables, spices and often okra. There are about as many variations on gumbo as there are people cooking it up, but in general, Creole-style gumbo incorporates tomatoes and more exotic ingredients, while Cajun-style gumbo often includes locally harvested meats, fish and spices. Fun fact: gumbo is the official dish of Louisiana.

Where to find it: Gumbo is so ubiquitous, you’re bound to find it wherever in Louisiana you’re traveling. Head to Rocky and Carlo’s in Chalmette for some of the best bowls in south Louisiana. Some of the best bowls in New Orleans can be found at Restaurant R’evolution and the Gumbo Shop. In northeast Louisiana, Warehouse No. 1 in Monroe is your go-to spot for great seafood gumbo.

Boudin

What is it? Rice, pork and spices in a smoked sausage casing. Boudin is served in links or in boudin balls, which are deep-fried cousins of the iconic Cajun delicacy.

Where to find it: Earl’s Cajun Market in Lafayette serves up excellent boudin and plate lunches. Head to Scott, Louisiana which is the Boudin Capital of the World. Stop Billy's Boudin and Cracklins or Don's Specialty Meats.  Boudin can also be found on many menus throughout Louisiana.

Andouille

What is it? Pork butt, shank and fat, seasoned with salt, garlic and cracked black pepper. True andouille is smoked over pecan wood and sugar cane, giving the meat a sweet, dark flavor.

Where to find it: LaPlace is the place to find true Louisiana andouille. Jacob’s World Famous Andouille and Bailey’s Andouille sell it by the pound. In October, head to LaPlace for the Andouille Festival, an extravaganza that has been running for over 40 years.

Jambalaya

What is it? A Creole take on Spanish paella, containing chicken, sausage, long-grain rice, and the combination of onions, bell peppers and celery known as the “trinity.” Served traditionally out of a big black pot, it’s one of the spicier signature dishes you’ll find in Louisiana.

Where to find it: Start in Gonzales, a town known as the world’s capital of jambalaya — the Jambalaya Festival is held there every May. Dwyer’s Café and Randol’s, both in Lafayette, are other sure bets for fresh jambalaya.

Pralines

What they are: a sugary, buttery candy made from butter, brown sugar and pecans, cooked in a kettle and dried on wax paper. French nuns brought these Creole treats to New Orleans in the 1700s.

Where to find them: Aunt Sally’s Pralines in New Orleans’ French Market is among the most famous. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with a package from MiMi’s Pralines in Baton Rouge or at Bernard’s in Baker.

Still hungry? Get recipes for all these dishes and discover more of Louisiana's famous dishes in part 1 of this series.