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Spices

Many cuisines around the world dazzle the palates of gourmets with their signature spices. Today we’re thinking of one with a particular history of fusion and adaptation that has always featured spices as its foremost identifying feature: Cajun! What exactly IS a Cajun cuisine, you ask? Buckle up as we share the origins of this southern U.S. cuisine that epitomizes gastro-migration, as well as its key ingredients and dishes. Finally, we share tips on how to mix your own Cajun spices so that you too can transport yourself right into the heart of Louisiana. If you’re looking for ways to add more interesting flavour to your dishes, we’ve got a shortcut for you! The <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/grillgewuerze?utm_source=kitchenstories.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=shop+promotion&amp;utm_content=article" rel="nofollow">Kitchen Stories spice mixes</a> make it easy to get to delicious results. Check out our BBQ grill party set!

Like the history of many other cuisines, the story of Cajun spices and cuisine is also one of migration, adaptation, and fusion. It traces back to the 18th century in Acadia, modern day eastern Canada, where British authorities forcefully deported French settlers, leading them to migrate to the southern United States, particularly to Louisiana. The name Cajun comes from the regionalized pronunciation of “Acadians.” The Cajun-Acadians embraced cooking techniques and flavors of West African, French, and Spanish origins and mixed them with Indigenous American and African American cuisines to gradually perfect their own regional signature.

As such, Cajun cuisine sports a depth of flavors, cooking methods, and a variety of spices that transcends continents. The original rustic French-West African cuisine adapted to the warmer climate and the proximity to sea in Louisiana: crayfish and seafood became staple ingredients, rice replaced potatoes as the dominant starch, bell peppers took the place of carrots, all the while black peppers and cayenne peppers added the heat that became Cajun signature.

Three dishes epitomize the Cajun cuisine: gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée. They all share the signature Cajun characteristics: spices, use of seafood and centering of rice. However, some key differences help distinguish them: although gumbo and étouffée both have soup- or stew-like consistency and are served with or over rice, étouffée is thickened with roux and has a denser consistency than gumbo. Jambalaya, in contrast, is similar to paella in that rice is cooked together with the rest of the ingredients in the pot. Try a signature Cajun dish with our recipe:

Jambalaya with shrimps and smoked sausage

Cajun spices: A quick way to infuse your dish with Cajun flair

Addicted to the Cajun flavors already? Well, there is a shortcut to infusing almost all of your dishes with that piquant heartiness of everything Cajun: spices! One easy example is our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/one-pot-creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta">one-pot creamy Cajun pasta</a>.

One-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta

But by blending the right ingredients in precise proportions, you can easily use them on almost anything: as dry rubs on your <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/grilled-meats">grilled meats</a> and <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/vegetable-recipes">veggies</a>, as spices on your <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/sides">sides</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/soups-stews">soups</a>, and even <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/salad">salads</a>, and transport yourself right into the heart of Louisiana. Here’s how!

Typically, 6 key ingredients form the base of your Cajun mix: paprika, garlic, onion, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. We recommend mixing them in the ratio of 3:2:2:2:1:1 (tsp) for a balanced flavor, consistency and color, but feel free to experiment! Depending on the preference, these herbs and spices are also a great match for enhancing your Cajun spice mix: white pepper, red pepper flakes, dry mustard powder, thyme, basil, cumin, a generic Italian or Provençal seasoning, and curry powder. When mixing in additional ingredients, be careful not to let them overpower the base: only add 1 tsp or less to start with.

If you&#x27;re looking for an inspiration to start your own spice mix with, have a look at our own <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/grillgewuerze?utm_source=kitchenstories.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=shop+promotion&amp;utm_content=article" rel="nofollow">Kitchen Stories spice mixes</a>: Made from organic ingredients, they serve as a great base and alternative for cuisines and ingredients–beyond their namesake. Once you have your own Cajun mix, you can use it as a marinade, dry rub, or a sauce addition. Have a look at our articles on the variety of BBQ sauces or how to marinate correctly so you can use your freshly mixed Cajun spices in the best way possible!

The best thing about having your own spice mix is that you can add it to virtually everything and give it the twist you want: In this case, the deliciously spicy, hearty Cajun kick! Go beyond the three musketeers of Cajun cuisine and try using your Cajun spice in these recipes below. Swap out the suggested spices with your Cajun mix and enjoy the surprising results: After all, mixing and merging cuisines, styles, and influences is the core discipline that informs the richness of the Cajun cuisine!

Make Sicilian seafood stew with Christian

<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/5-ingredient-one-pan-tomato-braised-cod">5-ingredient one-pan braised cod</a> <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/bean-cassoulet-with-fennel-bacon-and-italian-sausage">Bean cassoulet with fennel, bacon, and Italian sausage</a> <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/sauteed-veal-with-chorizo">Braised veal with chorizo</a> <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/loaded-smashed-potatoes">Loaded smashed potatoes</a>

Grill-Party seasoning set

Grill-Party 4er Set

Learn the history and mix it yourself at home

Deep-dive Into the World of Spices: Cajun Edition

I&#x27;m sure you&#x27;ve been there before: You are short on time but still want to cook something delicious with simple ingredients and minimal effort. To this dilemma, we at Kitchen Stories say: You&#x27;re not asking too much! We know this struggle all too well and have been working meticulously on a solution that will make your daily cooking experience easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Because we&#x27;re convinced that anyone can cook if given the right recipes, instructions, and – drum roll please – <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/?utm_source=kitchenstories.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=shop+promotion&amp;utm_term=A1469" rel="nofollow">the right products</a>.

Our Kitchen Stories organic seasoning products are here!

Our new seasoning blends are the perfect complement to the vast collection of Kitchen Stories recipes, inspiring you to discover new cuisines and flavors as well as add a little magic to the recipes you already love and trust.  Consisting of quality ingredients that are certified organic, our spice blends are handy shortcuts to transforming dishes from delicious to exceptional in everyday cooking. Even when you&#x27;re short on time, they bring the wow factor to your table. *Currently our seasoning blends are available to order in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Presenting: Each of our 12 seasoning blends

Whether you&#x27;re vegetarian or omnivore, a pizza or curry lover, or just looking for a quick and yummy fix, we have the right seasoning blends for you!

The selection is as diverse as our Kitchen Stories recipes are:  <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/viva-la-spice" rel="nofollow">Viva la Spice</a> – Upgrade the spice level in your favorite Tex-Mex dishes. Try it in our<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chili-con-carne"> chili con carne</a>.  <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/curry-gewuerz" rel="nofollow">Curry Power</a> – The secret weapon for rich and aromatic South Asian-inspired food. Try it in our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/keema-curry-spiced-ground-beef-with-potatoes">keema curry</a>. <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/tofu-gewuerz" rel="nofollow">Tofu Lover</a> – Transform every tofu dish into a juicy flavor explosion. Try it in our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/crispy-tofu-and-broccoli-stir-fry">tofu and broccoli stir-fry</a>.  <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/tuerkische-gewuerzmischung" rel="nofollow">Aromen Reichtum</a> – Tickle your tastebuds with aroma from Turkish kitchens. Try it in our<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/lahmacun-turkish-pizza"> Lahmacun</a>.

<a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/gemuese-gewuerz" rel="nofollow">Veggie Wunder</a> – No more boring, bland vegetables in your kitchen, we promise. Try it on our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/roasted-root-vegetables-with-brown-butter-and-hazelnuts">roasted root vegetables</a>. <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/pizza-gewuerz" rel="nofollow">Pizza Party</a> – Add that authentic Neapolitan flair with a sprinkle. Try it on our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/make-easy-neapolitan-style-pizza-with-lisa">Neapolitan pizza</a>.  <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/pasta-gewuerz" rel="nofollow">Pasta Magie</a> – Irresistible Mediterranean touch for those who can’t get enough pasta. Try it in our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/buttery-pasta-allamatriciana">pasta all’amatriciana</a>. <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/fleischgewuerz" rel="nofollow">Meat Lover</a> – The chef’s kiss: simple and perfect final touch to your meat dishes. Try it on our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/classic-steak-au-poivre-french-pepper-steak-with-mashed-potatoes-and-green-bean-bundles">steak au poivre</a>.

<a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/butterbrot-gewuerz" rel="nofollow">Butterbrot Baby</a> – For the best breakfast bread, power sandwich, and dinner rolls. Try it on our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/rustic-german-bread">rustic German bread</a>.  <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/avocado-gewuerz" rel="nofollow">Avocado Dreams</a> – Bring your avocado toast to a whole new level. Try it on our<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/rustic-german-bread"> pesto egg bagel sandwich</a>.  <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/salatgewuerz" rel="nofollow">Dressing Up</a> – The secret to perfect salad and bowls every time. Try it in our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/cobb-salad">cobb salad</a>. <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/kraeutersalz" rel="nofollow">Fleur de Salty</a> – Your most essential pantry helper that completes (almost) every dish. Try it on our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/loaded-smashed-potatoes">smashed potatoes</a>.

Choose between our selected sets with 4, 6 or 12 seasoning products with price advantage: more flavors, less money! From handy <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/gewuerze-grundausstattung" rel="nofollow">starter sets</a> to <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/grillgewuerze" rel="nofollow">barbecue spices</a> or <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/volle-ladung-wuerze" rel="nofollow">the complete collection</a>.

Of course, we have something special for those looking for lasting and thoughtful kitchen gifts! Meet our gift sets: &quot;Everything tastes better with you&quot; (<a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/mit-dir-schmeckt-alles-besser" rel="nofollow">Mit dir schmeckt alles besser</a>) or &quot;Wonder chamber of spices&quot; (<a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/products/wunderkammer-der-gewuerze" rel="nofollow">Wunderkammer der Gewürze</a>) are perfect to gift home cooks of all kinds, and come packed in specially designed packaging with recycled materials. Is there a better way to say &quot;thank you&quot; from the heart?

The wait is over. You can order our seasoning sets in our Kitchen Stories shop now. We can’t wait to see them shine in your kitchen and get inspired by your creative ways of using them.  <a href="https://shop.kitchenstories.com/?utm_source=kitchenstories.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=shop+promotion&amp;utm_term=A1469" rel="nofollow">Visit the shop,</a> browse through our products, and get them in your kitchen! Which of the seasoning blends are you most excited about and which Kitchen Stories recipe would you like to spice up with them? Let us know in the comments!

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