The Houston Rodeo from March 2-22 is a clear celebration of long-standing traditions and culture in Texas. Family recipes are often sold as concessions, and there are top-of-the-line competitions like the World Bar-B-Que Contest. While many have become institutions in this nearly month-long event, a new contender hopes to share their own lovely Mama Tina’s Gumbo with the world. It is none other than Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles.
Mama Tina gets real on her Texas culinary specialty
Everyone knows Beyoncé and likely adores the artist very much. She was born in Houston and has been proud of her heritage, which has seeped into her artistry. From her time with Destiny’s Child to award-winning albums like I Am Sasha Fierce, until Cowboy Carter, Texas was always referenced and somewhere to be found. A big reason for that was her upbringing and Mama Tina’s help in helping her grow into the local culture.
Mama Tina’s gumbo was a staple in Beyoncé’s life growing up, through her time as a touring star, whenever she felt homesick. Now, fans and Texans attending the Houston Rodeo will be able to taste that very same specialty. Tina outlined how she came up with the idea of selling her beloved gumbo at the cultural event, via KPRC2.
“I’ve been trying to put gumbo out because I’ve been making it ever since I was a kid. I tried with the company because it was so expensive. The process was so long and labor-intensive. My ex son-in-law, his family made this gumbo and it was amazing. I said, ‘you know, it’s time for me to try to do the Mama Tina’s gumbo.’ So, I put my touches in it, a lot of things from my family recipe and techniques. We came up with this gumbo and it’s amazing. I can’t wait for the world to taste it,” she said
What makes this Knowles recipe special and sets it apart from other gumbo? Well, it is none other than the fact that it has been perfected for decades and generations. More than that, Mama Tina also makes the large batches of gumbo herself.
“It takes about 14 to 15 hours. Stirring slowly, you have to have a lot of patience. It’s a lot of ingredients and you have to be so careful of how to handle it. That’s why it’s really not out there. I think we’ve mastered it and I’m really excited for people to have it. It’s just me who usually does it,” Tina Knowles declared.
Beyoncé’s family-favorite gumbo will be available just outside the Houston Rodeo premises at NRG Park from March 2-22. Mama Tina’s Gumbo will be specifically located at the Fannin side of the fairgrounds. If fans are lucky, they might also see Mama Tina at the booth. They will also serve different varieties of gumbo in order to accommodate various palettes and dietary restrictions.
“People have different allergies. So we do chicken without pork, and there’s chicken with sausage. Then we have a seafood dish: deluxe Mama Tina’s gumbo. From my daughter (Beyoncé), she does turkey, so we do it with turkey. I have to kind of change it up a lot. My grandkids love it, everybody in my family. My mom made the best gumbo, and I didn’t learn to cook anything else, but I learned to make the best gumbo,” she added.
While waiting for the events at the Houston Rodeo or just exploring the world-class Texas cuisine, attendees will surely not be disappointed with Mama Tina’s Gumbo. If Beyoncé loves it, there’s a high chance that people all over the world, and in the Lone Star state, would also like it.
