How to Make Cajun Spice Mix

Cajun seasonings tend to possess slightly more heat and spiciness than Creole seasonings. The Acadiana area of Louisiana represents the people who first used Cajun seasonings in their food. While you can purchase several different pre-packaged Cajun spice mixes, you don't get to control the mix. However, you can make your own Cajun spice mix and then work on refining the mix to better suit your personal tastes. There are no limits to the spice mix you make as long as it is hot.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring spoons
• Yellow mustard seeds
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Coriander seeds
• Food processor with blade attachment
• Cayenne pepper
• Parsley flakes
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Bay leaf
• Sealable container (preferably a large salt shaker)
• Chili powder

Make a Simple Cajun Spice Mix

1. Gather your ingredients and set them on the counter for easy access.

2. Get out your food processor and remove the lid from the container.

3. Dump the ingredients into the food processor container as follows: 2/3 cup of salt, 3 tbsp. black pepper, 2 tbsp. garlic powder, 1 1/2 tbsp. onion powder, 1/2 tbsp. nutmeg, 2 tbsp. parsley flakes, 1 bay leaf, 1 tbsp. yellow mustard seeds, 1 tbsp. coriander seeds, 4 tbsp. Cayenne pepper and 2 tbsp. chili powder.

4. Replace the cover the container on the food processor.

5. Plug the food processor into an outlet. The ingredients should be placed into the container without power to avoid any mishaps.

6. Pulse the food processor on high to thoroughly mix the ingredients. Check to make sure the seeds and bay leaf are finely chopped to know you have mixed the ingredients well.

7. Pour your newly made Cajun spice mix into your container.

Use Your Cajun Spice Mix

8. When eating Cajun food or any other food, set your Cajun spice mix on the table to sprinkle on top of meats and vegetables as desired.

9. Make blackened chicken and blackened fish by applying a generous portion of your Cajun spice mix to the chicken or fish and grilling the food outdoors.

10. Add butter and your spice mix to corn, peas and green beans to spice up an ordinary side dish.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to make your cajun spice mix hotter, simply increase the amount of Cayenne pepper to taste.
• Avoid breathing in the mix or you will find yourself sneezing for several minutes.
• Warn friends and family of the spicy nature of this mix before they add more to their food, especially if you've added a lot of Cayenne pepper.