Make those Cajun spice mixes at home
A lot of people – me included if I’m honest – reach for that shop bought spice mix or curry mix too easily: instead of making their own Cajun spice mix. In reality, it’s mainly a psychological barrier, but a real one all the same. Ok, with some mixes, there’s things you might not have, but take this Cajun spice mix for instance. Pretty much everything in it should be in your spice & herb cupboard already. It certainly is in mine!
Get weighing & join the club.
The first thing as stated is having the ingredients. The next step is really simple – just weigh them out in the correct proportions. Virtually every spice mix recipe you can think of is available online. Want to experiment? Have a look at several, and pick a reliable site, & mix & match. Some will have a little bit more of something, others a bit less. Experiment yourself – if you particularly like garlic for instance add more garlic powder!
Mostly grinding spice mixes is the key.
Once you’ve weighed them, you can of course use a pestle and mortar, but it’s much easier to buy a kitchen aid or similar spice grinder. The hint is in the name – it’s for grinding spices! With a pestle you do have a little more control, but it’s a lot harder work & getting it fine enough can take ages. On the other hand – sticking it in an electric spice grinder makes quick work of it!
Using your home-made cajun spice mix.
This is where the real joy comes in – getting stuck into using it creatively. Here’s a few suggestions to try: vegan cheese on toast – it really works much better with some Cajun spice and Italian seasoning plus a few chipotle chilli flakes. Flash it in the microwave (60 secs) to partially pre-melt the cheese – then put under the grill for 3 or 4 minutes to brown a little – it’s perfect! Another great use is on baked potatoes – cut them in half, load with vegan “butter” & mash it in, add some grated vegan cheese, then some Cajun spice mix, Italian seasoning, and a few chipotle chilli flakes. Again, flash in the microwave to pre-melt, & then under the grill. It’s awesome. With smashed potatoes Cajun seasoning is a must – the more the better. Last suggestion for now – make some thick or thin potato chips and cook them in an airfrier. Give them around 25 to 28 minutes until they’re nicely cooked, then add a few generous teaspoons of your Cajun spice mix. You can also add a generous splash of soya sauce. Shake well to distribute spices, then cook on a slightly higher temperature for another 3 or 4 minutes. Simply magic!
Cajun Spice Mix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the fennel seeds to the spice grinder and grind fairly well - set aside
- add the thyme and oregano to the spice grinder and grind until fairly fine - but not power
- add the fennel seeds back in and the thyme & oregano and all the other pre-ground ingredients and blitz briefly to mix well.
- decant into an airtight jar - without too much space above it.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
