Southern Cuisine Explained

Traditional Cuisine From Louisiana And Mississippi

When you take a trip down South you will find not only a different way of life, but a unique way of cooking as well.  Southern states such as Louisiana and Mississippi are so passionate about their food that they consider it part of their identity.   What would be considered traditional cuisine? 

Both States love their Cajun cooking.  A unique blend of spices and seasoning add a burst of flavor to each meal.  Seafood is used generously in Cajun dishes because of the location and closeness to the Gulf and other waterways.  Catfish, Crawfish, Oysters, and Crab are popular among the locals.

There are many cultural influences on the cuisine in both of these states.  Cooking techniques have been derived from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Africa, and Native American.  When you add all of this knowledge together, plus the use of the natural resources of each state, you have culinary excellence that is deeply held in these cooking traditions.

It’s hard to distinguish between certain Creole recipes from the two states since each has followed a similar culinary path over the years. 

Southerners love to deep fry anything they can get their hands on.  Fried Chicken is one of their favorites across the states.  Locals from Mississippi love their catfish and hushpuppies.   Barbequing is also an important part of the cooking experience in the South.

Both of these states are blessed with crops that are relied on to enhance the culinary experience of the South.  A few crops that Louisiana depends on are sugar cane, rice, okra, greens, and sweet potatoes whereas Mississippi's most valuable resources are soybeans, corn for grain, cotton, and  sweet potatoes.

Food festivals are an important tradition in each state.  Crawfish, crab, catfish, and shrimp often have a festival all their own.  It’s an easy way to become familiar with the local cuisine.  Mississippi also has culinary trails which range over five different regions of the state.

Traditional Dishes from Louisiana

Gumbo – This dish can contain seafood, sausage, chicken, or a number of other ideas, and is much like a thick stew or soup, but often served with a dollop of rice. You'll also start this dish by making a roux, which is a thickening gravy of fat and flour.

Muffulettas – Cheese, ham, salami, on a loaf of Italian bread.

Jambalaya – The ingredients in this recipe are determined by what's on hand, much like gumbo.   You can add chicken, sausage, onions, tomatoes, a mixture of spices, and whatever else comes to mind. Unlike gumbo, jambalaya is a rice-based dish.

Red Beans and Rice – This meal can be as simple as the name, or can include sausage, pork, or seafood.  Typically, however, it is served very simply; just red beans and rice with spices.

Traditional Dishes from Mississippi

Mississippi Mud Pie – For the chocolate lover, this is a deliciously rich and popular dessert, very popular with the locals.

Catfish  – Simple fare that can be pan fried or deep fried to a crispy golden color.

Sweet Potato Pie – Not a surprising dish in the 'Sweet Potato Capital of the World.' 

Hushpuppies – Cornmeal mixed with a variety of ingredients and deep fried to perfection.  A versatile snack, to be sure.

There are certainly differences between the two states when it comes to recipes and cooking techniques.   However, the history and heritage of each state can be seen through the unique cuisine brought about in each tasty dish.