Is That Alligator? Sloppy Joes, Cajun Style

Invented in America, the Sloppy Joe has become a staple from pubs to school cafeterias. It’s a classic quick-fix food, and depending on the care exercised, can be anywhere from hearty and satisfying to drecklich.

What’s interesting, though, is the way this sandwich has spread across the States, and even internationally. And the names it gets! Here’s a sample: Wimpies, yip yips, slushburgers, hot tamales (no tamales here, though), Sloppy Janes, steamers. And that’s just in the U.S. of A. In western Canada they’re called Victory Burgers. In Australia they’re known as Savoury Mince Rolls; I guess the Aussies got a great deal on some extra vowels from England. China knows them as the rou jia mo.

And in Louisiana, well, they’re still Sloppy Joes (I propose Swampies), but with a taste twist:

• Cajun Sloppy Joes

No, you don’t need some exotic roadkill to make this sandwich. (If you’ve got it, though…) The recipe shown isn’t that spicy, so if you want to really make it Cajun you can add some more cayenne powder or some Tabasco. Since my family is into milder fare than I like, I add afterwards on my sandwich alone and everybody’s happy that way…

Enjoy the (Swamp Sandwich) Heat!