Tangy, spicy, and full of chicken flavor, my Chicken Tortilla Soup is a Mexican soup classic. It brings maximum flavor with minimum effort. For me, soup is a simple dinner meal that delivers flavor and comfort in a bowl. If you’ve spent any time at my Acadiana Table, you no doubt know my love affair…
Heirloom Tomato Soup
You say tomato, I say soup. It goes without saying that a steaming hot bowl of tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food. You know exactly what I mean–it feels warm and cozy just like that old pair of fur-lined slippers you refuse to throw out (c’mon, admit it). Tomato soup is quite good right…
Short Rib Onion Soup: The Best Soup on Earth?
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…
The Long, Hot Simmer: Soulful Chicken Soup
Most every food culture takes pride in their version of chicken soup. It is as basic and fundamental a recipe as cooking gets. But, most folks haven’t a clue to how exceptionally delicious–no, heavenly–this dish can be. To learn the skill of making a rich, sublime soup of nothing more than chicken, vegetables, and water…
How To Make A Dark Cajun Roux: The Story of Rox’s Roux
If you ask me, a dark Cajun roux is the secret ingredient that is the single most important building block of Cajun cooking. So important, that for your convenience, we developed a jarred product we call Rox’s Roux–the deepest, darkest, and richest commercially available roux. This product will add consistency and quality to any Cajun…
Speckled Butter Bean, Okra, and Lamb Soup
This warm and hearty Speckled Butter Bean, Okra, Lamb Soup delivers on Southern flavors, and when topped with a wedge of rosemary cornbread, it is a filling dish. And it showcases lamb, an ingredient not often seen on Southern tables. For far too long, Cajuns have been missing out. Beef, pork and chicken have been…
Cream of Cauliflower, Garlic and Fennel Soup with Goat Cheese Crouton
These days, home cooks are moving toward freshly prepared, light, and healthy dishes. However, Louisiana cooks don’t always follow conventional wisdom. This time of year, you are just as likely to see a hearty etouffée or a platter of steak, rice, and gravy on the dinner table. But with my Cream of Cauliflower Soup, you can…
Gumbo Z’herbes
The heady aroma of fresh greens (collards, spinach, chard, and kale, to name a few) simmering on a stovetop is heavenly. And with just one bowl of this roux-infused Gumbo Z’herbes, you’re praying for a second helping. As in most culinary cultures, religion has an impact on the dishes of South Louisiana with gumbo z’herbes…
Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
Just last week I was telling a good friend that I had plans to make Shrimp and Okra Gumbo for the weekend. Without hesitation, she asked, “Cajun gumbo or Creole gumbo?” Oh, here I go again. After a 10-minute explanation, I could see my friend regretted even asking the question. But, it is a difficult…
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…