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Cajun Spice

By:   Allrecipes Staff

Description

There are many Cajun seasoning blends on the market today, all with their own distinct characteristics. Most are boldly flavored and sassy and representative of Cajun cooking in general. A Cajun seasoning blend might include garlic, onion, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dry mustard, paprika, thyme, cumin and/or celery seed.

Uses

Cajun seasoning is used heavily in gumbo, jambalaya and blackened fish dishes, as well as for spicing up boiled shrimp and crawfish, French fries and sauces.




Origins

Today's Cajuns are descendents of French-Canadian settlers who had taken up residence in the Louisiana bayous, brought their own flavors to the party. Original masters of the one-pot meal, these locals created a cuisine all their own based on native herbs, game, and vegetables. Cajun cooking, a combination of French and Southern cuisines, is robust, country-style cookery that uses a dark roux and plenty of animal (usually pork) fat.


    Color

    Brownish Red

    Flavor & Aroma

    Composed of many different spices, Cajun spice is a complex blend of spicy, earthy, pungent, and grassy.

    Sensory Profile

    Cajun spice characterizes the bold flavors of Cajun cooking.

      Comments
      Jul. 28, 2009 10:43 am
      as a true cajun i don't use anything marked "cajun seasoning", i do use lots of spices but they vary depending on what i'm cooking. i was taught ways to make a good meal out of cheap ingredients with the use of spices and frankly i've grown very weary of folks sprinkling red pepper on a dish and calling it "cajun". the term spicy to us doesn't mean hot, it simply means we use lots of varied spices.
       
      betty o 
      Oct. 2, 2009 7:47 am
      I agree with "THEDAD", many versions of "cajun" is not an original recipe. I too came from a Southern cajun family and fortunately remember watching family members prepare meals and were left with a legacy of delicious foods I delightfully enjoy.
       
      janehurley 
      Oct. 8, 2009 1:58 pm
      very helpful
       
      mbela 
      Oct. 31, 2009 1:43 pm
      Great finding out how to make "cajun chicken" after I had to give up searching the Norwegian web.
       
       
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