Cajun cooking staple

OKRA

This green pod is often sliced and used to thicken gumbo, and it’s also a key ingredient in Southern fried dishes.

"Okra" is the answer because it’s a key ingredient in Cajun cuisine, often used in dishes like gumbo for its thickening properties. The clue is straightforward—no wordplay or tricks—just pointing to a vegetable strongly tied to Louisiana’s spicy, flavorful cooking style. If you’ve had Cajun food, you’ve likely encountered okra, whether fried, stewed, or pickled.