One of the reasons for having such a bountiful menu in Louisiana is the
bounty itself. Seafood, wild game and rice are some of the staples that
make us a land (okay, "State") of plenty. We can grow or harvest from
nature most anything we need to tickle our tongues. Our diverse
backgrounds bring the bounty together in ways that astound the pallet.
Louisiana cooking brings a whole different meaning to the word "flavor"!
Seafood, for one, is as fresh as it can be had! Shrimp,
crabs, crawfish, oysters, frog legs, alligator, speckled trout, redfish,
black drum, red snapper, grouper, flounder, catfish, bass, perch, sac-a-lait....and
on, and on...! All within close reach.
Wild Game is out the back door (or close by). Deer,
rabbit, wild hog, squirrel, raccoon, ducks, quail, doves, ... and so
on...
Rice grown here goes with all of the above, and in
addition, we grow peas, beans, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumber, beets,
turnips, mustard, collards, cabbage, potatoes, okra, butter beans, corn,
etc.
Seasonings that take their spot in the garden include
bell pepper, hot peppers, green onions, parsley and basil to name a few,
and, we produce our own salt and sugar!
Oh, let's not forget the cattle, hogs and chickens.... and we're eyeing
up nutria (marsh rats) real close.
We do import a few things but if the borders get closed we're just fine.
Yea, we got our own refineries for oil products and we produce our own
natural gas too (to fire up the stoves!).
So what are we missing? All we need now is Pots, Pans and People, and we
make that happen "just naturally". I guess that's why we have so many
festivals here huh? I'm surprised we don't have a "Tablespoon Festival"!
My point in all of this is that much of this great bounty has been here
for many years, some imported and some native to the land. The people of
Louisiana have learned to master the flavors of our vast array of foods.
We use what is in hand and "make do". The different cultures that have
made Louisiana their home over the years have shared their cooking "know
how" and the result is nothing but good. (now I'm really hungry!)
Even through the tough times we can, and have in the past, muster up
what we need to survive and make it taste good.
So when you see the dishes of Louisiana just remember "it all lies here
within reach". (Makes you want to pack your stuff and move here huh?)
I would fail my heritage not to mention that along with the great
cooking follows a people who love to share what they have. Giving is a
way of life in South Louisiana and is "expected" amongst ourselves. If
you love to eat, we'd love to cook for you! Come to Louisiana and see
what I mean!