When you have tasted the delicious flavors of Cajun spices and seasonings, you can’t help but wonder what makes them unique. This mouthwatering mixture of flavor and heat gives seafood a whole new spin. If you’ve ever wondered exactly what gives Cajun food its kick and popularity, let’s take a deep dive into all things Cajun.
Spices Used in Cajun Food
Cajun seasoning is thought to have originated from a need to make tough game meat taste a little more savory, and a little less wild. Decades ago, it was common for people eating game meat to practically envelope it in these spices to make their meals tastier.
Today, spices used in Cajun food can season seafood, gumbo, stews and more, but the specific composition and amount of multiple spices used can differ from chef to chef. Some of the most commonly used ground spices in Cajun seasoning include the following:
- Cayenne: Cayenne is essentially the ground up seed and fruit from hot peppers. It is typically used to add the element of heat to a dish. These peppers can add a welcome burst of spice to meats or stews while also offering key nutrients and antioxidants.
- Celery Salt: Made from crushed seeds of celery and salt, celery salt is used to enhance the flavor of a meal. It may not have the instant effect that cayenne can have, but do not underestimate its ability to make a dish come to life.
- Coriander: This spice comes from a plant by the same name, although it is also called parsley and cilantro. Coriander pairs well with cumin and tends to have a slight lemon flavor with floral notes.
- Cumin: This spice comes from the cumin plant. In unground form, these seeds have an oval shape and a brown or yellow color. Cumin is generally used to give a warm and earthy flavor to meals, also making them pleasingly aromatic.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder comes from a dried out dehydrated garlic bulb that is then ground. It looks similar to a fine yellow salt in appearance. In addition to giving food flavor, garlic powder may offer nutritional benefits as well.
- Onion Powder: This spice comes from an onion. Although it can sometimes have a pungent smell, it adds a zest and liveliness that can bring a meal to life. The powder is quite fine and can appear light tan or yellow in color.
- Oregano: Although oregano is used by some cultures in medicinal ways, the spice is often used to contribute a sweet yet bitter herb-based flavor. For many chefs, a little bit of oregano goes a long way. If it is overused, it may overpower the dish.
- Paprika: The spice of paprika comes from red peppers that are dried and ground up. While paprika can have different levels of heat, it is most commonly sold in a mild form that is designed to give color and an element of smokiness to a dish.
- Black Pepper: One of the most often used spices in Cajun food outside of salt is black pepper. As its name would suggest, it is usually black in color and comes from dried and ground peppercorns. The amount of pepper used can directly impact the heat of the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Coming from dried and crushed chili peppers, red pepper flakes can add heat to a dish. The amount of red pepper flakes used in a recipe can indicate how spicy or hot a dish may be.
- Salt: Perhaps the most common spice or mineral used in cooking and even baking is salt. It is generally readily available, affordable, and effective in flavoring meats, soups, and more. It is also used to preserve food.
- Thyme: The spice of thyme is harvested from leaves of a plant by the same name. This herb can come in different varieties, but most yield a slight smell and flavor of lemon or citrus. Thyme is green in color.
A chef who is well versed in Cajun cuisine knows to employ the help of a spice grinder in his kitchen to achieve a more even breakdown of the spices.
What Makes Cajun Spices and Seasonings Unique
While even the building blocks of Cajun spices and seasoning can change depending on the preferences of both the chef and the consumer, it frequently centers around the spices listed above. This begs the question that if this is true, what makes Cajun spices and seasonings unique?
The answer can be found in the amount of spices and seasonings used. For example, a dash of red pepper flakes will yield a vastly different effect than 2 Tablespoons of red pepper flakes. The latter will create a much hotter dish, which is ideal for those who enjoy spicy foods.
For those who enjoy all the flavor of Cajun cuisine without all the work involved, ordering takeout from an established Houston Cajun restaurant is the ideal way to indulge in this delicious food.
When it comes to what makes Cajun spices and seasonings unique, it comes down to which spices are used and the amounts, along with the time-tested traditions that keep Cajun food in Houston a favorite choice.