Traditional Meal Cajun Cooking Recipes
When it comes to Cajun cooking, this cuisine showcases robust aromas and delectable flavors. Hot spices can always be added, of course, but the emphasis is on the flavor. To make your jambalaya, gumbo or etouffee even more authentic, prepare this Cajun herb mix, and add some cracklins on the side.
Cajun Herb Mix
Ingredients You Will Need:
1 tablespoon crushed dried thyme
3 tablespoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons dried onion bits
6 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons crushed dried oregano
2 tablespoons crushed dried basil
1 tablespoon ground white pepper
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
3 crushed dried bay leaves
Sprinkle as much or as little of this seasoning on Cajun foods. The hot spices can simply be placed on the table for individuals to enjoy as they choose.
Variations: Cayenne peppers are the basic hot ingredient in most Cajun foods, and spices tend to be blends of cumin, paprika, garlic, parsley, thyme, bay, basil and mustard-plus a sprinkling of white, red or black pepper.
Cracklins
Cracklins are pork skins that have been deep fried with a sprinkling of salt and pepper.
Ingredients You Will Need:
Pork skin with fat still attached
Oil
Salt and pepper
The pork skins and fat should be cut into pieces that are about two or three inches in length. These pieces are then placed into hot oil. A Dutch Oven is a good kettle to use for this recipe. Put a few pieces into the kettle at a time, allowing plenty of room for movement in the pan. Cook in the hot oil, stirring often to keep from sticking, until the skins turn a golden brown and float to the top. Immediately drain the skins on paper towel, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve hot or cold. Some people like to sprinkle cracklins with garlic-flavored sea salt.