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Which traditional recipe has a controversial back story or origin?

Anna Lacroux

As a lover of food and history, I find the question of which traditional recipe has a controversial back story or origin incredibly interesting. While there are many dishes that could fit this description, one that immediately comes to mind is the beloved Southern staple, gumbo.

Gumbo is a spicy stew typically served with rice and is made with a variety of ingredients like meat, seafood, and okra. The dish is said to have originated in Louisiana, specifically in the city of New Orleans, which was a major port for the slave trade in the 18th century. This is where the controversy surrounding gumbo begins.

Many believe that gumbo was created by enslaved Africans who were brought to Louisiana and forced to work in kitchens where they were given scraps of meat and vegetables to cook with. It's believed that these enslaved Africans would combine these scraps with okra, a vegetable that was readily available and often used in West African cuisine, to create a hearty stew that could feed many people.

However, others argue that gumbo was actually created by French colonists who moved to Louisiana and brought with them the tradition of making a stew called bouillabaisse. They say that the French colonists adapted the recipe to include ingredients like okra and added Creole spices to make it more flavorful.

Despite the controversy, one thing is certain: gumbo has become an iconic dish in Southern cuisine and is enjoyed by many people around the world.

In addition to its origins, gumbo has also been the subject of controversy in recent years due to a cookbook published by a white chef named Paul Prudhomme. In his cookbook, titled "Chef Paul Prudhomme's Louisiana Kitchen," Prudhomme claimed to have created the first recipe for gumbo that included seafood and andouille sausage.

This claim was met with backlash from many who argued that Prudhomme was erasing the contributions of Black and Indigenous people who had been making gumbo for generations. They argued that Prudhomme was perpetuating the white washing of Southern cuisine by claiming ownership of a dish that was not his to claim.

Despite the controversy surrounding its origins and ownership, gumbo remains a beloved dish that brings people together and represents the rich history and culture of Louisiana. Its spicy, savory flavor and versatility make it a staple in Southern cuisine and a dish that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.