With its variety of flavors and plethora of ingredients, Cajun cuisine is extremely popular in the south. But despite its popularity, there are still some common misconceptions about Cajun dishes and their origin. So this article is going to debunk a few popular myths about Cajun food.
All Cajun Food is Spicy
When people think of Cajun seafood recipes, they almost always think of a really spicy dish. And while plenty of Cajun dishesare spicy, not all of them are. Rather than being hot and spicy, most Cajun specialties are simply well seasoned. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s spicy, but that it’s packed with plenty of flavor. Seasonings are a crucial ingredient in any Cajun dish, especially those with few ingredients. So if you’ve been hesitant to try Cajun food because you’re afraid it will be too spicy, you have no reason to fret! There are plenty of Cajun options that are more flavorful rather than spicy.
Cajun Dishes and Creole Dishes Are the Same
Cajun and Creole dishes often get confused. And while they are similar, these two types of cuisine come from completely different cultures which were developed about 70 miles apart. So even though they do use some of the same ingredients, the Cajun people were more rural compared to the urban aspects of Creoles, which is shown in their food. Cajun cuisine is generally more simple and often has a base of rice and beans. On the other hand, Creole cuisine often features imported ingredients and can be more complex. So while similar in ingredients, Cajun and Creole dishes should not be confused.
All Cajun Stews and Soups Are “Gumbo”
Gumbo is one of the most popular Cajun foods. And because of its popularity, many people wrap any sort of Cajun soup or stew into the “gumbo” category. But this isn’t necessarily accurate. For example, if a dish has rice in it, it’s probably more similar to jambalaya rather than gumbo. There are other Cajun recipes similar to gumbo, like a Cajun sauce piquant or the Cajun version of French etouffee. While these dishes are similar to gumbo in consistency and ingredients, they have elements that make them completely different. So if you see a Cajun dish that is a soup or stew, remember that it may be something other than gumbo.
Cajun food is something everyone should experience. So keep these myths in mind and head to a Cajun restaurant near you to have a dish packed full of history and flavor.
