Cajun cuisine may not be the first thing you think of when planning your next meal, but it’s well worth a try. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ll be surprised by how much flavor it can pack into your meal.
Cajun cooking is rooted in the rural traditions of Acadians. They were resourceful and had limited access to various foods and ingredients, so they developed a cuisine based on the essentials of their environment and local produce.
Boucherie
A boucherie is a hog-slaughtering event that is part of Cajun culture. It’s a tradition that originated before refrigeration and was necessary for preserving meat during cold winter.
During boucheries, locals come together to celebrate and preserve an animal. These events are rooted in the shared history of Cajuns and Acadians, originally French colonists who were booted from Canada.
They settled in Southwest Louisiana and eventually became known as Cajuns. Today, a variety of Cajun dishes can be found throughout the state. These include jambalaya, gumbo, and boudin. But what makes Cajun food Houston so unique and fascinating is its flavor base, which consists of a dark roux and a combination of tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
Gumbo
Gumbo is a stew-like dish, one of the most popular and treasured Cajun dishes. It can be made with various ingredients, from meats to seafood, and is usually served with rice on the side.
It’s made with a dark roux of fat and flour, spicy stock, shellfish or meat, chicken, sausage, and other vegetables. It’s often thickened with okra or file powder (a spice mixture made from ground sassafras leaves).
The flavor base of many Creole and Cajun dishes is celery, onions, and bell peppers. These vegetables are used in various ratios, depending on the dish.
While the gumbo we know today was largely influenced by French and Creole cultures, it has also been influenced by Native American and African influences. The gumbo we know today is a fusion of these cultures and is still very much a part of the culture in Louisiana, especially New Orleans.
Blackened Fish
Blackened fish is a quick and easy weeknight meal packed with flavor. It’s also a great way to use up leftover fish.
The blackened seasoning is made with garlic powder, red onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cumin. It is generally considered to be less spicy than traditional Cajun seasonings.
The seasoning can be incorporated into the marinade before cooking or sprinkled over the fish before frying. You can serve the fish in various dishes, including tacos, sandwiches, and salads.