For days after you’ve had this dish, your memory of it will not fade. In vivid detail, you will recall it all: the sweetness of the onions; the rich beef stock; the notes of rosemary and thyme in the pot; the chunks of tender beef short rib that add hearty flavor: the velvet cloak of…
Wild Duck Gumbo
The bold flavors of wild duck and smoked pork sausage overwhelm your taste buds when you dive into this soul-satisfying bowl of dark Cajun roux-infused Wild Duck Gumbo—a South Louisiana specialty. I’ve heard statistics that support my contention that in Louisiana, more men cook per capita than anywhere else in the country. And that’s not…
Quail Gumbo
This is one of my most popular Christmas recipes, and I’ve had numerous requests for it this season. And try as I might, I cannot quell my passion for quail. I crave it this time of year especially, and no holiday would be complete without a quail gumbo. Let me explain the source of my…
Andouille Sausage and White Bean Soup
If comfort can be found at the bottom of a black iron pot, it is this Andouille Sausage and White Bean Soup. Just think about it: Tender white limas infused with smoky andouille sausage slowly simmer until they burst, releasing their starch to thicken the pot. Warming your hands cradling a creamy bowl of this…
Summer Squash Soup
Slow simmered and puréed into a smooth, bisque-like creaminess, my Summer Squash Soup explodes with the fresh flavors of the season. Spiced with a light hand, I love how the vegetables shine brightly with just a hint of mint and the gentle bite of sweet onion. While I confess to eating lighter in the heat…
Pork Curry
Coconut-kissed stock infused with the aromatic flavors of curry and a sweet spike of pineapple combine in this bowl of Cajun pork neck bones to build a Pork Curry soup that ramps up the flavor to international levels. Listen up: I am a sucker for Asian spice. I’ve never been to Asia, but with my…
Red Bean, Mustard Green, and Green Onion Sausage Soup
Beans and greens mean winter to me. And this hearty soup filled with creamy red beans, bitter mustard greens, and acidic tomatoes can only be elevated with Cajun green onion pork sausage. I love the depth of flavor and spice in this Red Bean, Mustard Green, and Green Onion Sausage Soup. And I love the…
Chicken Leg and Sausage Gumbo
The knob of juicy dark meat at the end of a chicken drumstick is my favorite cut of the bird, and when soaked for two hours in a rich roux-infused gumbo, these legs have me running to the dinner table. This Chicken Leg and Sausage Gumbo cuts to the chase on flavor and when made…
Smoked Rabbit Gumbo
When it comes to Cajun roots cooking, my Smoked Rabbit Gumbo is as deep-rooted as it gets. I love how the spicy flavors mingle with the hardwood smoke in the rich meat of rabbit to create a gumbo that will humble even the most experienced Cajun cook. It is an exceptional and memorable dish, and…
Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo
It’s Fat Monday, ya’ll! Lundi Gras (French for Fat Monday) ramps up the Mardi Gras holiday with a full schedule of parades, balls, and of course, the Courir de Mardi Gras—the rural Cajun celebration before the beginning of Lent. Break out your capuchon (a cone-shaped ceremonial hat), don a colorful mask, tank up with your…