.svg)
Get ready to celebrate National Gumbo Day on October 12! This flavorful dish has been around since the 18th century and originated in Louisiana, with its roots tracing back to African, French, Spanish and Native American cultures. The classic gumbo is made of roux (flour-oil mixture), vegetables such as onion or celery, spices like cayenne pepper or paprika and a variety of meats such as chicken or sausage. Whether you prefer seafood gumbo with shrimp or crabmeat instead of meat, there's something for everyone when it comes to this delicious dish.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gumbo's Origin</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the early 1800s, gumbo was being prepared in the Louisiana region, drawing influences from African, French, Spanish and Native American cuisines.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1867</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Written Gumbo Recipe</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first written recipe of gumbo appeared in the cookbook 'La Cuisine Creole'.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gumbo: Official Cuisine of Louisiana</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gumbo was declared the official cuisine of the state of Louisiana, signifying its cultural and historic value.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World's Largest Gumbo</div><div class='timeline-text'>The world's largest gumbo was created at the annual World Championship Gumbo CookOff in New Iberia, Louisiana. The gumbo weighed over 5,800 lbs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Gumbo Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Gumbo Day was celebrated for the first time, promoting the dish's cultural significance and popularity in the United States.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make your own gumbo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gumbo is a great way to celebrate National Gumbo Day. Start by making a roux with oil, flour and butter, then add some onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic. Then add in your favorite meats, seafood and vegetables - the possibilities are endless.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go out for gumbo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Head to your favorite restaurant for a delicious bowl of gumbo. Whether it's an old family recipe or something new and exciting, you're sure to find something to love.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a gumbo cookoff</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over to share their best gumbo recipes on National Gumbo Day. You can even serve some side dishes like cornbread and jambalaya to make it a real party!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a gumbo party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Nothing says celebration like good food and good company, so why not have a get together on National Gumbo Day? Make sure there is plenty of gumbo for everyone, as well as other Cajun favorites like po' boys and beignets.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history of gumbo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the history of gumbo, its origin and how it has evolved over the years. You can also explore different variations of the dish from around the world.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Gumbo is a comfort food</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Gumbo is an incredibly comforting and satisfying dish. It's full of flavor, packed with protein, and filled with nourishing vegetables. Whether you're feeling under the weather or just need a warm hug in a bowl - this Southern classic will always hit the spot!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Gumbo has lots of variations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Everyone has their own version of gumbo, making it a truly versatile dish. You can make it vegetarian, add in seafood for an extra kick of flavor, or even throw some sausage into the mix for a true Cajun experience! No matter what type of gumbo you're craving, there's a recipe out there that will satisfy your taste buds.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Gumbo clarifies family traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Gumbo often reflects a family's heirloom recipes or culture. By serving up delicious bowls of gumbo to your friends and family, you have the opportunity to bring loved ones together while honoring beloved culinary traditions.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gumbo's Name Originates from a West African Word for Okra</h3><p class='facts-content'>The word "gumbo" is reportedly derived from a word in the West African Bantu language that means okra, one of the soup's key ingredients, showing the dish's deep-rooted connection to African culinary heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gumbo's Thickness is Largely Due to the Use of Filé Powder</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sassafras leaves, ground into a fine powder known as filé, are commonly used in gumbo as a flavoring and thickening agent, adding depth and richness to the dish.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gumbo Possesses Several Distinct Styles</h3><p class='facts-content'>Typically, gumbo recipes fall into one of two categories: Creole or Cajun. Creole gumbo often contains tomatoes and a greater variety of vegetables, while Cajun gumbo typically has a darker roux and includes meat or seafood, but omits tomatoes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gumbo is Linked to Mardi Gras Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many Louisiana communities, gumbo is a traditional dish served during Mardi Gras celebrations. Specifically, chicken and sausage gumbo is the go-to meal on Mardi Gras, the evening before Ash Wednesday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gumbofest Pays Homage to Gumbo's Cultural Significance</h3><p class='facts-content'>The town of Bridge City, Louisiana, hosts an annual festival called Gumbofest where thousands gather to celebrate and sample different variations of the dish, showing the widespread love for this cultural culinary staple.</p></div></div>
National Gumbo Day is celebrated on October 12 every year. In 2024, National Gumbo Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Oct 12
Thursday
2024
Oct 12
Saturday
2025
Oct 12
Sunday
2026
Oct 12
Monday
2027
Oct 12
Tuesday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
