re: Grits in gumbo instead of rice?

I'd only use grits in gumbo, if there was no rice. But it would work.

It's a slightly inferior substitute.

Contrary to how most of these poor-mannered morons responded, early Cajuns probably used grits, hominy, or cornmeal mush more often than rice. Corn was easier to grow and more common than rice in upstate La. about 100-150 years ago. Rice was a luxury.