Are These Louisiana’s Most Iconic Foods?
I'm always suspicious when someone who's not actually from Louisiana decides to write a story about our fabulous and very famous cuisine, I mean, we do love to eat here in the Bayou State, and we are very protective of our delicacies.
Food Network is a pretty good source for anything having to do with local food, because they are respectful of the source, and always ask the people who actually live there for recommendations. And they are right about one thing - nobody ever comes here to stay on a diet! So, when they came up with a list of the most iconic dishes here in Louisiana, I was just a little bit curious. See if you agree with the items listed, and hey, feel free to add some of your own in!
- Jambalaya - rice and meat or seafood. If we're being honest, the best ones are made in homes across the state.
- Beignets - fried dough pillows with plenty of powdered sugar on top. Originally made at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans
- Po Boy - meat or seafood piled high on fresh french bread. Louisiana's official sandwich. If you want it with lettuce, tomatoes and mayo, ask for it 'Dressed'
- Boiled Crawfish - tasty mudbugs that made Breaux Bridge famous
- Muffeletta - made famous at Central Grocery in New Orleans, this deli sandwich on round sesame seed bread has an olive mixture over meats and cheeses that gives it a distinctive taste
- Blackened Redfish - Acadiana's own Chef Paul Prudhomme made this dish a national treasure in the 1980's
- Doberge Cake - a tasty confection that has many thin layers of cake with a filling in between each
- Cracklins - the cajun version of pork rinds
- Crawfish Monica - only available at Jazz Fest in New Orleans each spring, this pasta dish with crawfish and creamy white sauce is worth waiting in line for at the Fairgrounds
- Gumbo - the official comfort food of Louisiana, this is a soup made with seafood or chicken and sausage. It always starts with a roux, and onions, bell peppers and celery
- King Cake - the official sweet treat of Mardi Gras, and not really a cake at all
- Red Beans and Rice - traditionally served on Mondays across the state, this creamy dish can also be served with sausage
- Pralines - this might be the official dessert of Louisiana, and one that has been served for over a century in homes and restaurants
- Etouffee - smothered meat or seafood, prepared with the 'trinity', and served over rice
- Snoball - this is not a sno cone. Made with shaved ice and flavorings that are traditionally associated with Louisiana. Satsuma snoball, anyone?
- Boudin or Boudin Balls - cajun rice and pork, or seafood, with lots of seasonings stuffed into a casing. Boudin balls are bite sized and can be popped into your mouth with ease. We are kind of obsessed with this tasty treat