Cajun Spice Blend

Elmotoo's Note:

I was looking for Cajun seasoning for my New Year's Day black eyed peas. This is based on Julie Sahni's recipe in "Savoring Spices and Herbs" with a few alterations. Everyone loved the peas, btw. NOTES: I ground only 1/2 the herbs/spices for textural effect. I usually grind up a whole nutmeg & store in a jar so there's always an amount of fresh nutmeg on hand. "Cook" time = grate & mix time.

• Total Time: 7 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 2 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 cup

• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon cumin seed
• 1 tablespoon celery seed
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 2 tablespoons dried basil, divided
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano, divided
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley, divided
• 1 tablespoon powdered dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried ancho chile powder
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg

Directions:

1. Combine the black peppercorns & cumin seeds in a spice/coffee grinder that is used for ONLY spices & grind until spices are coarsely ground.
2. Add celery seeds & 1TB each basil, oregano, parsley & red pepper flakes.
3. Pulse until ground but not powdered.
4. Combine with remaining ingredients in a bowl & stir with a whisk until well mixed.
5. Store in an airtight container.

Reviews

[Chef Buggsy Mate]

Made this spice blend to add to my cabinet today...WOW! It definitely packs a flavorful punch!!! When my spice jar is empty I will definitely make this again. I did not add the nutmeg though, because I do not care for its flavor, and I can detect the smallest amount of it. I used about a tsp. of this blend to top my ground beef and rice I had for lunch. I look forward to trying it on chicken this week. Made and reviewed for the 38th Aus/NZ Recipe Swap.

[Sharon123]

Loads of flavor! I did cut back on the cayenne(so we could handle the heat) and used this on Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges. Yum! Thanks! Made for the Australian Recipe Swap!

[Sarah!]

Great tasting cajun blend. I followed the recipe as written but had to omit the dried ancho chile powder as I couldn't find that ingredient over here. Thanks for posting.