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This Homemade Cajun Seasoning is made up with pantry staples you probably already have, and it’s so much better than store-bought!
Nothing is more satisfying than blending your own spices. (Okay – I’m sure there are plenty of things in life that are more satisfying than that, but it was a good post opener.)
Whether it be for chili, tacos, salad dressings, or stews, I rarely buy pre-made seasoning packets anymore – preservatives just ain’t my jam. Homemade seasonings are so easy to throw together yourself as long as you have staple spices kicking’ around in your kitch (onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika/smoked paprika, cayenne, dried herbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to name a few). If you don’t have those staples, get’em! It will make your life easier – and maybe longer, ha.
Yesterday I made a gumbo, and the recipe called for Cajun seasoning. Rather than purchase the off-colored orange-y powder they sell in stores, I threw together my own blend which ended up being a nice fiery orange/red and tasted amazeballs and wasn’t full of modified food starches and MSG and silicon dioxide and unidentified “spices”. I always chuckle when I see “spices” listed in the ingredients for something. What are these “spices” you speak of and why aren’t they listed individually, man? [Insert inquisitive eyebrow raise here].
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 3 teaspoons of cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons of, homemade preferably, but not necessary Old Bay Seasoning or homemade seasoning salt mix
Instructions
- Place all of the spices in a jar and shake very well to mix all of the spices. Tightly screw lid onto jar to store.
- OR - mix in a bowl and whisk until completely blended. Store in an airtight container.
I have never made red beans and rice before. I’ve had it once, but it was pretty bland. For whatever reason I had the sudden hankering for some properly spiced red beans and rice, and I set about looking for a spice mix recipe. I happened upon your web page. I had all of the ingredients on hand, so I quickly mixed up a small batch to taste it. The next day (today), I went to the grocer and picked up the ingredients I needed to try my hand at making red beans and rice for the first time. It turned out great, thanks to your recipe. I’ll be adding this one to my meal rotation. Thank you for your help.