Homemade Cajun Spice

Homemade Cajun Spice Recipe - Vegan & Vegetarian Spice Seasoning from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: This recipe makes approximately 1 cup of Cajun Spice. |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Homemade Cajun Spice is a versatile and flavorful seasoning blend that can be used to add a kick to a variety of dishes. This recipe combines a mix of aromatic herbs and spices to create a bold and spicy flavor profile that is characteristic of Cajun cuisine.

History

Cajun cuisine originated in Louisiana, blending French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. Cajun Spice is a key component of this cuisine, adding depth and complexity to dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and blackened fish.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of garlic powder
0.25 cup of onion powder
0.25 cup of gumbo filé powder
0.25 cup of powdered cumin
0.25 cup of paprika
0.25 cup of chili powder
3 tbsp of old bay seasoning
2 tbsp of dried basil
2 tbsp of dried thyme
2 tbsp of dried oregano
2 tbsp of pepper
0.75 tsp of cayenne pepper

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients and store them in an airtight container.
Use the mixture as a dry rub for the barbecue.

Variations

Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Include ground mustard for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Toasting the spices before mixing them can enhance their flavors.

- Store the Cajun Spice blend in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Sprinkle Cajun Spice on grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, or popcorn for a spicy kick.

Cooking Techniques

Use Cajun Spice as a dry rub for meats before grilling or roasting.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika for a smokier flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare a large batch of Cajun Spice and store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Presentation Ideas

Package Cajun Spice in a decorative jar or tin for a homemade gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cajun Spice with dishes such as blackened catfish, Cajun shrimp pasta, or Cajun chicken alfredo.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cajun Spice in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Reheat in a dry skillet before using to refresh the flavors.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 30 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 6g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This spice blend is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as garlic and onion.

Summary

Homemade Cajun Spice is a low-calorie seasoning blend that adds flavor without adding excess calories.

Summary

Homemade Cajun Spice is a versatile seasoning blend that adds a bold and spicy flavor to a variety of dishes. With a mix of aromatic herbs and spices, this blend is a staple in Cajun cuisine and can be used as a dry rub or seasoning for meats, seafood, vegetables, and more.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Homemade Cajun Spice. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the heart of Louisiana. My grandmother, a skilled cook with a passion for creating delicious dishes, had invited me into the kitchen to watch her work her magic.

As I stood by her side, I watched in amazement as she gathered a variety of herbs and spices from her well-worn spice rack. She explained to me that Cajun spice was a blend of flavors that originated from the French-speaking Acadian people who settled in the bayous of Louisiana. Over the years, the recipe had been passed down through generations, each family adding their own twist to make it their own.

My grandmother began by grinding together peppercorns, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and salt. The aroma that filled the air was intoxicating, a mix of spicy heat and earthy herbs that made my mouth water in anticipation. She then added a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors, a secret touch that she swore by.

As she mixed the spices together, she told me stories of her own childhood, learning to cook from her own grandmother in a small farmhouse nestled among the swamps and marshes of Louisiana. She spoke of long days spent in the kitchen, preparing meals for her large family and learning the secrets of Cajun cooking that had been passed down through the generations.

After the spices were well combined, my grandmother transferred the mixture to a small jar, where she sealed it tightly and labeled it with a handwritten note that read "Homemade Cajun Spice." She explained to me that this blend could be used to season everything from seafood and meats to vegetables and soups, adding a touch of Louisiana flavor to any dish.

Over the years, I watched as my grandmother used her Homemade Cajun Spice in countless recipes, each one more delicious than the last. From spicy jambalaya and gumbo to blackened catfish and shrimp étouffée, her cooking always had a special touch that set it apart from the rest.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe myself, tweaking the proportions of the spices and adding my own favorite ingredients to make it my own. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who were always amazed at the depth of flavor that the Homemade Cajun Spice brought to their dishes.

Today, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by memories of my grandmother and the flavors of Louisiana that she passed down to me, I am grateful for the gift of her Homemade Cajun Spice. It is a taste of home, a reminder of where I come from and the rich culinary traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And as I sprinkle a pinch of the fragrant blend into a pot of simmering gumbo or onto a sizzling piece of blackened fish, I can't help but smile, knowing that my grandmother's legacy lives on in every bite.