Do you know that the Cajun seasoning mix is the most recognizable and flavorful spice blend you will encounter?
Have you ever asked what is in Cajun seasoning mix and where it comes from?
Through this article, you will be fascinated by this unique cultural mix of flavors, go through its history, and explore its different uses that will satisfy your taste buds with its smoky earthy taste with the chili twist that goes well on almost all food categories, just follow us.
What is the origin of Cajun?
The Cajuns are descendants of the Roman French Canadians, they were driven out from the French colony Acadia in the 18th century by the British people and then settled in Southern Louisiana in the lands of Bayou.
They have a unique cuisine that reflects cultural integration, the alligator stew, jambalaya, and gumbo are among the most famous Cajun dishes.
They have an extraordinary seasoning mix that became popular worldwide recently that we will go through its components in detail in the following lines.
Why is it called cajun seasoning?
It is called so relative to the Cajuns, a blend of spice and herbs from the Acadian cuisine of Canada ( French people from Louisiana in the USA).
It is composed of a blend of spices and herbs that combine the aromatic herbs of France with the spicy twist of Mexico and the Caribbean to give a seasoning mix with a strong taste profile.
Read More: What does Cajun seasoning taste like?
What is a Cajun seasoning mix made of?
The Cajun seasoning mix is a cultural mixture of bold, earthy, and spicy flavors from regions of the world.
It is a blend of aromatic herbs such as oregano which is common in French cuisine and paprika from North America which encounters the most common ingredients in Cajun seasoning mix: Cayenne peppers originating from French Guiana with Garlic from East Asia.
It is reported that some such as sassafras leaves, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne peppers, and red pepper flakes.
As a result, you will have an extraordinary taste that adds a unique twist to any dish and makes you wonder what is in Cajun seasoning mix.
What is in Cajun seasoning mix?
Regarding Cajun, we are talking about rustic seasoning mixtures that came from Louisiana, the hometown of the delicious Cajun cuisine.
The exact constituents vary as everyone prefers to add his personal touch to the Cajun seasoning mixture, but commonly, it is a bold spicy blend of Paprika, Garlic powder, Cayenne peppers, and Oregano.
Additions like onion powder, bell peppers, and black peppers are the most common in the Cajun seasoning mixture.
Why are you going so far?!
The freshly prepared Cajun seasoning recipe is provided to you by Zesty Hut, the first online spice formula in the world.
Our seasoning ingredients are finely selected and carefully crafted, flavor tested by taste experts to offer you an attractive aroma and distinctive taste every single time to elevate your dish to the next level and this is our mission.
Why is Cajun seasoning so good?
Imagine the smoky flavor of Paprika meets the earthy taste of Garlic with the bold spicy flavors of Cayenne and Chili pepper, with the addition of the aromatic fresh fragrance of Oregano and Thyme, how can this mix not be so good and mouthwatering?
Moreover, it is a versatile spice mixture that matches almost all food categories like chicken, meat, seafood, vegetables, rice, and Cajun seasoned bakery.
Simply, it is a transforming ingredient that adds a fiery and robust twist to enhance the taste of any dish.
Do you know what are the uses of Cajun seasoning and its Health benefits?
How to make homemade Cajun seasoning mix
Fortunately, the amazing Cajun seasoning mix can be done at home in no time with ingredients available in your spice drawer.
Just bring your measuring spoons and let’s do the brilliant homemade Cajun seasoning mix.
Ingredients of homemade Cajun mix
- Paprika smoked (Paprika is preferred)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Thyme
Some prefer adding salt to use it on its own.
Instructions
You just need to mix all the ingredients and put it in a jar to enjoy its taste all year round.
How to use Cajun homemade seasoning mix
The most common Cajun recipes are jambalaya, gumbo, and stews.
But it does not end here, as what is in Cajun seasoning mix makes the perfect addition for almost everything.
It goes very well with:
- Chicken
- Meat
- Seafood: shrimp, crabs, salmon
- Veggies: grilled vegetables, french fries
- Dips: guacamole and hummus
- Crackers and bakeries
Cajun seasoning can give your recipes the tasty kick you are looking for.
Here is our detailed guide about recipes using Cajun seasoning.
How to store Cajun seasoning mix and for how long?
Generally, spices must be kept tightly closed
in a dark dry place away from moisture or heat, to ensure flavor preservation each time.
Usually, whole spices can be stored for a longer time than ground ones.
The storing time for Cajun depends on the expiration date of what is in Cajun seasoning mix.
For best results, you can store the mix for a maximum of 1 year with the best storing conditions.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning mix?
If you ran out of the original Cajun seasoning mix, you can compensate for it easily by simple ingredients added together.
If you have some Paprika, Cayenne peppers, and Garlic powder, you will mimic the taste of Cajun seasoning without effort.
Here is the best way to dry Garlic, how to harvest, and store at home.
Is creole seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning?
It is challenging to differentiate between the Cajun and Creole cuisines, however, they are different.
Cajuns came from Acadia and then settled in southern Louisiana, while Creoles were a mix of Africans, Europeans, and natives living in New Orleans.
There are slight differences between the two cuisines as some dishes are confusing whether they are Cajun or Creole such as gumbo which is considered a Cajun dish despite being of Creole origin.
Both are influenced by French cuisine and possess common ingredients.
Differences between them lie in the details for example:
- Creole dishes use tomatoes while Cajun recipes do not.
- Cajun uses more spices while Creole prefers more herbs.
- Cajun is spicier than Creole.
They have the same ingredients but different flavors.
People view Creole cuisine as “city food” and Cajun cuisine as “country food”.
There is competition between Cajun seasoning VS blackened seasoning, which one do you prefer?
Conclusion
The Cajun seasoning ability to transform any dish into an extraordinary one makes anyone ask what is in Cajun seasoning mix.
It is a blend of strong flavors with aromatic herbs that add the taste you’re searching for.
You must have a jar of the extraordinary Cajun seasoning right now to prepare dishes you tend to gravitate towards by getting such a unique spice included.
