Cajun gumbo is basically a soup that combines the cooking traditions of Native Americans and Africans. The most important ingredient used in making Cajun gumbo is Okra, which is used as a thickening agent and gives a distinctive vegetable flavor to the soup. Cajun gumbo is usually served as an appetizer prior to meals and is popular in the entire region. The main ingredients used are dark roux made from toasting flour for about 5 minutes , fat or oil, chicken and Cajun sausage. Once the cooking process is complete sassafras leaves are added. However like most Cajun dishes, the ingredients used in making Cajun gumbo depend completely on availability as a result of which its taste and flavor varies from one region to another.