Gumbo ingredients - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Gumbo ingredients," is a classic example of a straightforward definition found frequently in crossword puzzles. It tests a solver's general knowledge, specifically in the realm of American cuisine. The answer is a staple ingredient in the dish mentioned, making this a relatively accessible clue for many.

Clue Analysis

The clue is simple and direct: "Gumbo ingredients." The key word is "Gumbo," a well-known stew associated with Louisiana. The plural form "ingredients" strongly suggests that the answer will also be a plural noun. The puzzle is asking for something that goes into gumbo.

Thinking Approaches

A solver's first step should be to brainstorm the primary components of gumbo. Your mind might go to:

1. The "Holy Trinity": Onions, celery, and bell peppers. These are all possibilities, but they don't fit a common 5-letter plural pattern.
2. Proteins: Sausage (especially andouille), chicken, or seafood like shrimp and crab. Again, these don't quite fit the typical crossword answer mold for this clue.
3. Thickeners: This is the most fruitful path. Gumbo is famous for its thick, hearty consistency, which is achieved in a few ways. The most common are a roux (flour and fat), filé powder, or a specific vegetable known for its mucilaginous properties.

Focusing on that vegetable thickener is the key. It's a green pod that is almost synonymous with gumbo. Once you identify that four-letter vegetable, simply add an 'S' to match the plural "ingredients" in the clue.

Background Context

Gumbo is a cornerstone of Louisiana Creole and Cajun cooking, with a rich history blending West African, French, Spanish, and Native American culinary traditions. One of its defining characteristics is its thickener.

While a roux is fundamental to many gumbos, the vegetable in question, okra, is not only a common ingredient but is also etymologically linked to the dish. The word "gumbo" is widely believed to derive from the West African Bantu word for okra, ki ngombo. This historical connection makes okra a quintessential, and therefore excellent, crossword answer for this clue.

Conclusion

"Gumbo ingredients" is a perfect example of an easy, knowledge-based clue. By identifying the key term ("Gumbo") and paying attention to the pluralization, a solver can quickly narrow down the possibilities to one of the dish's most famous components. The strong link between the dish and this specific vegetable makes it a reliable and satisfying entry to fill in.

Hints

1. Hint 1: These are common vegetables in Southern U.S. cuisine.
2. Hint 2: They are known for their pod-like shape and ability to thicken stews.
3. Hint 3: The singular form of this word is a four-letter vegetable.
4. Hint 4: The name of the dish itself, gumbo, is derived from a West African word for this very ingredient.