Gumbo is a stew or soup associated with southern Louisiana since the 18th century. It consists primarily of meat or shellfish, a strongly flavored stock, a thickener, celery, bell peppers, and onions. The dish likely derived its name from either the Bantu word for okra (ki ngombo) or the Choctaw word for filé (kombo). Several varieties exist; Creole gumbo generally contains shellfish and tomatoes, while Cajun gumbo is generally based on a dark roux and is spicier, with either shellfish or fowl. Sausage or ham are often added to gumbos. After the base is prepared, the vegetables are cooked down, and meat is added. The dish simmers for a minimum of three hours, with shellfish and some spices added near the end. It is traditionally served over rice. The dish combines ingredients and culinary practices of several cultures, including French, Spanish, German, West African, and Choctaw. It was first described in 1802, and was listed in various cookbooks in the latter half of the 19th century. Chef Paul Prudhomme's popularity in the 1980s spurred further interest in gumbo. The dish is the official cuisine of Louisiana.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumbo
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1776:
American Revolutionary War: American colonists defeated British troops at the Battle of Harlem Heights in present-day New York City. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Harlem_Heights
1940:
Second World War: Italy captured the town of Sidi Barrani, but its invasion of Egypt (Italian tanks pictured) progressed no further. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_invasion_of_Egypt
1963:
Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo (present-day Sabah), and Sarawak merged to form Malaysia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia
1990:
Construction of the Northern Xinjiang Railway was completed between Ürümqi and Alashankou, linking the railway lines of China and Kazakhstan, and adding a sizable portion to the Eurasian Land Bridge. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Land_Bridge
2007:
Seventeen Iraqi civilians were shot and killed by Blackwater Worldwide guards. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nisour_Square_massacre
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
hombre: (chiefly US, in Spanish-speaking contexts, slang) A man, a chap, a guy; especially a Hispanic or Spanish man. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hombre
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. --Laurence J. Peter https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Laurence_J._Peter