Cajun Spices

by Christine Watson

I love spicy food! Cajun spices are great with fish, poultry, and meat. This grilling season you could try cajun seasonings in your rubs and sauces.

Cajun seasoning can be used for everything from gumbo to jambalaya to sautéed vegetables and dirty rice. Cajun seasoning also makes a great rub or barbecue sauce.

Just the seasoning

For cajun seasoning you will need:

• 3 Tbsp onion powder
• 3 Tbsp garlic powder
• 3 Tbsp paprika
• 3 Tbsp black pepper
• 3 Tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp ground basil
• 1 Tbsp ground thyme
• 1 Tbsp ground bayleaf
• 3 Tbsp chili powder (optional)
• ½ Tbsp cumin (optional)
• 2 Tbsp coarse (Kosher) salt

Mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and peppers in a bowl. Add the basil, thyme, and bayleaf. If you can’t find ground bayleaf you can make it yourself by grinding dried bayleaf in a food processor. Adding chili powder and cumin will really add some heat to this seasoning! Add coarse salt last. This seasoning will last for months as long as you keep it in a sealed container.

The Rub

Make your cajun seasoning a rub by adding 3 Tablespoons brown sugar and mixing well. Some people add oregano to their rub, but I prefer to leave it out. Rub the seasoning into fish, poultry, pork, or your favorite meat then let it sit for about an hour before grilling.

Make it Saucy

Prefer a sauce?

• ½ cup cajun seasoning
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½  cup tomato paste
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• red pepper flakes

Add sauce to meat 10 minutes before removing from the grill and enjoy!

However you spice up your summer,  spend time with your family and friends, and enjoy good food and good music. These are the best things in life.