As different as the Cajun and Creoles themselves is their kitchen. The Creoles
were the descendants of aristocratic Europeans, lured by the Spaniards to
occupy and settle New Orleans. Als the descendants of Africans and Mulats
are called Creoles. Their cooking styles mixed and developed. The French brought
the Bouillabaisse (Soup), the base of the Creole Gumbo. The Spaniards brought
spices and the "Paella", which counts as the precedant of Jambalaya.
The Andouille Saussage is influenced by the German, and ice cream was introduced
by the Italians.
People from West India and Haiti brought the hot sauce (Sauce Piquante), which
is used in every Cajun meal. And don't forget the "black hand in the
pot". The Africans brought Ocra (Gumbo), a vegetable (after which the
soup was named) to Louisiana. Afican meals are also called "soul food"
in the U.S.
Cajun meals are based on the use of meat, sea fruits and spices. From the Native Americans, the Cajun learned the processing of local products from the swamps, lake and forests. Careful combination and the cooking in heavy iron pots are typical for their cooking. You'll find a lot of "Stews", "Fricassées", Soups", "Gumbos" and "Jambalaya" on a typical Louisiana menu card. Not to forget the sausages like "Andouille", "Smoked Sausage" and "Boudin" as well as "Tasso Ham".
Louisiana has two unique cooking traditions: Creole with European influences
and Cajun with pots enriched with meat and sea fruits.