Both are classic dishes from Louisiana, but gumbo is more of a soup-stew often served with rice, while jambalaya is made with rice. The rice is the biggest difference. When you see the dishes side by side, the difference is quite obvious. Jambalaya is characterized by the amount of rice, being primarily a bowl of heavily seasoned rice with meats and vegetables. Gumbo, on the other hand, has much more liquid and sometimes has no rice at all. There are many common ingredients between the two dishes, but the results are rather different from each other. Learn more about these iconic dishes from the American south. If it is served with rice, the rice is cooked separately. Roux plays an important role in thickening gumbo, a simple mixture of equal parts fat and flour that is stirred over heat until it turns anywhere from golden to a deep chocolate brown dark roux, developing gumbo’s characteristic rich, immense flavor. Okra is also a popular thickening ingredient. You can thicken gumbo without a roux using only okra, but a roux is more common. Filé powder is another, which is made by drying and grinding sassafras leaves into a powder, which can be stirred into the gumbo at serving. You can often find gumbo filé powder in Cajun stores or online. Much depends on the cook preferences. Try this Seafood Gumbo Recipe, or my post on How to Make Gumbo: A Guide. The recipe and techniques vary from region to region, with meats ranging from seafood like crawfish, oysters and shrimp to smoked sausage, chicken, turkey, wild boar, duck and even alligator, among others. Cajun and Creole versions differ somewhat, particularly in their use of tomatoes, seasonings and meats, but all together it is a highly popular and hearty dish. You’ll find brown jambalaya and red jambalaya, with brown being more of a Cajun jambalaya made with Cajun seasonings and simpler ingredients, like this Cajun Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya, and red jambalaya, which is more Creole. Creole jambalaya usually includes tomato and Creole seasonings, among other differences. Jambalaya is comparable to dishes like Spanish Paella, African Jollof Rice or Arroz con Pollo, made with more local ingredients and seasonings. Check out my Jambalaya Recipe or my crockpot jambalaya recipe to make it for yourself.
Relevant Links
Cajun Seasoning Creole Seasoning Blackening Seasoning How to Make a Roux Cajun Recipes
Either is ideal for larger groups or bringing to a party situation or gathering. Please let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to help! – Mike H.
