Difference Between Jambalaya and Gumbo

Jambalaya vs Gumbo
 

Jambalaya and Gumbo show some difference between them when it comes to their preparation and nature. Jambalaya and Gumbo are two types of cuisine that are native to the land of the state of Louisiana. It can be said that they are the cuisine forms of Cajuns of the state of Louisiana. However, both these dishes exist in Creole versions too. As both Cajun and Creole are well-known cuisines for being tasty, these two dishes are also prepared to satisfy the taste buds. They are even different types of jambalaya and gumbo. So, this article will present to you what jambalaya and gumbo are and also different types of the dishes that exist. Then, it will be clear to you what the different between jambalaya and gumbo is.

What is Jambalaya?

Jambalaya is influenced more by the Western African people, the French and the Spanish people for that matter. It is important to know that the word ‘jambalaya’ is derived from the Provencal word ‘jambalaia’ which means mix-up and a pilaf of rice. The dish in the case of Jambalaya is usually rich in texture. It is generally colorful and very tasty too.

Jambalaya is a mix of meat and vegetables with rice and stock. When it comes to the meat that is used in jambalaya, there are several. They are chicken, ham, crawfish, and/ or shrimp and smoked sausage. Sometimes duck and beef are also used in this dish. There are different types of jambalaya. They are Cajun jambalaya, Creole jambalaya and white jambalaya. Normally, when cooking jambalaya, rice is cooked with the rest of the ingredients. However, when cooking white jambalaya, meat and vegetables are cooked separately from the rice. The rice that is cooked in a savory stock is added to the meat and vegetables before serving. The rice remains white, unlike in other types of jambalaya. Hence, the name white jambalaya was given.

What is Gumbo?

Gumbo is another delicious dish found in the state of Louisiana. The word ‘Gumbo’ is derived from the West African people’s word of ‘kingombo,’ which means okra. In fact, okra is the main ingredient of the Gumbo type of cuisine.

Gumbo is made with vegetables such as okra, onions, celery and green pepper, meat and thickened stock. Different regions use different meat including sausage, chicken, ham, crawfish and shrimp. Gumbo is traditionally served with rice. There are different types of gumbo such as Cajun gumbo, Creole gumbo and Gumbo z’herbes. The last one, Gumbo z’herbes is an interesting dish as it is a meatless dish, which uses turnips, mustard greens and spinach. This dish is less popular as it consumes more times when it comes to preparation.

What is the difference between Jambalaya and Gumbo?

• Jambalaya is influenced more by the Western African people, the French and the Spanish people for that matter.

• It is important to know that the word ‘jambalaya’ is derived from the Provencal word ‘jambalaia’ which means mix-up and a pilaf of rice. The word ‘Gumbo’ is derived from the West African people’s word of ‘kingombo,’ which means okra.

• Gumbo is served with rice while jambalaya uses rice as an ingredient.

• Jambalaya is a mix of meat and vegetables with rice and stock. Gumbo is made with vegetables such as okra, onions, celery and green pepper, meat and thickened stock.

• There are different types of gumbo such as Cajun gumbo, Creole gumbo and Gumbo z’herbes. There are different types of jambalaya too. They are Cajun jambalaya, Creole jambalaya and white jambalaya.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Creole Jambalaya with shrimp, ham, tomato, and Andouille sausage by Cliff Hutson (GFDL)
2. Crawfish Gumbo via Wikicommons (Public Domain)