Cajun & Creole Cooking
The mosaic of Louisiana culture shimmers with jazz, big band, blues
and zydeco; colorful and boisterous Mardi Gras celebrations and quaint
cottages with secret gardens; French, Spanish, English, German, Italian,
African and native American ancestry; and two of the most exciting
cuisines in the world: Creole and Cajun. Creole and Cajun cookery
are often thought of in tandem -- and for good reason -- though there
are distinct differences.
Creole cookery grew out of the area's well-to-do 18th century farmers'
desire to develop a grand cuisine. Many of these farmers were of European
descent; the cuisine relies in part on classic French cooking techniques
and Spanish seasonings, as well as African American influence. Gumbo, for
example, is a Louisiana tradition whose origins are based in the French
soup, bouillabaisse. Spanish paella evolved to become another of the region's
favorites, jambalaya. Ancestral Germans brought pigs, chickens, and cattle
to the region, providing a regular supply of ingredients that are now considered
staples in Creole cuisine: milk, butter, and sausage. Native Americans
introduced new settlers to local produce such as corn, as well as other
ingredients such as sassafras leaves (filé powder, when ground) and bay
leaves. Africans contributed "kin gumbo" (okra), which they brought
with them to the new land. Each ethnic group made a contribution of ingredients
and cooking methods, creating one of the most unique and flavorful cuisines
in the world.
Cajun cooking also reflects a strong heritage. The descendents of
French refugees from Acadia (Cajun country), Canada, Cajuns (a shortened
version of the French word "acadien") lived off the land and befriended
the Native Americans, Spanish, and Germans in the area. They lived
in the swamps and bayous of southern Louisiana, where an abundant
supply of fish, shellfish, and wild game became their dietary staples.
Theirs is a hearty country food, born of difficult living conditions
and heavily dosed with a desire to comfort. Many are peppery one-pot
creations like jambalaya, stews, soups, and gumbos.
Both Creole and Cajun cooks are adept at using what's on hand and experimenting with seasonings and other ingredients. The result is that the dishes are always unique -- no two gumbos are exactly the same, though all, like the culture, are rich and delicious.
Essential Cajun and Creole Spices
When it comes to seasoning, Creole and Cajun cooks agree that a dish should be flavorful, but not so spicy hot as to detract from the melding flavors of the ingredients.
Here are some of the main seasonings used judiciously in Creole
and Cajun cooking: allspice, basil, bay leaves, caraway seeds, cardamom,
cayenne, celery seed, chives, chili peppers, cinnamon, cloves, cumin,
dill seed and weed, garlic, gumbo filé, lemon, mace, marjoram, mustard
seed, nutmeg, onion, oregano, paprika, parsley, peppercorns, saffron,
salt, savory, tarragon, and thyme.
Convenient Cajun and Creole Blends
For ease in creating Cajun and Creole dishes, you'll want to keep a variety of spice blends handy. Good choices include: All-Seasons Salt, Bouquet Garni, Cajun Blackened Fish/Meat Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, Chili Powder Blends (including Traditional and Fiesta Blends), Celery Salt, Chili Seasoning Mix Blend, Curry Powder Blends (including regular blend, Lemon Curry, and Muchi Curry), Dash O 'Dill, Garam Masala, Garlic 'N Herb Seasoning, Garlic Pepper, Garlic Salt, Gumbo File, Lemon Pepper, Onion Salt, Peppermill Gourmet Blend, Pickling Spice, Seafood Boil, Seafood Seasoning, and Veggie Pepper Blend.
Cooking Accessories
Garlic gadgets, Grinders and graters, pepper mills, skewers and fish turner, vegetable chopper.
Other Important Ingredients
Cajun and Creole dishes are often prepared using what's on hand at the time, but there are a few key ingredients that help recreate the distinctive flavors of the Louisiana region.
Vegetables
Onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, okra, chile peppers
Oils
Butter, bacon fat, lard, peanut oil, or vegetable oil
Flours, Meals, Grains & Beans
White flour, corn flour, cornmeal, rice, and beans (red beans and black-eyed peas are a must)
Meat & Seafood
Crab, shrimp, catfish, redfish, oysters, sausage (especially Creole boudin, a highly seasoned pork and rice sausage, and Cajun andouille, a spicy smoked sausage made with pork and garlic), rabbit, chicken, and smoked tasso (a dried, heavily smoked pork or beef seasoned with cayenne pepper, garlic and salt that's used as an hors d'oeuvre or to season vegetables, gumbos, and soups.) You can add a special touch of authenticity with regional fare like crawfish, frog legs and alligator.
Broth Powders
Many Cajun and Creole recipes begin with a good broth. Create one instantly with flavorful broth powders. Chose from Beef Flavored, Chicken Flavored, or Vegetable Flavored. Simply combine with hot water.
Chicory
Chicory has a mild, sweet, caramel-like flavor. Add it to coffee for added body and aroma, or use it to make an authentic beverage of its own. It's available as a root and also in roasted, granulated form.
Start Cooking
Often, the best way to learn is to just dig in -- and that's especially true of Cajun and Creole cooking, which relies on ingredients you have on hand, personal tastes and preferences, and a willingness to be a little creative and experimental. No two cooks will prepare a traditional Louisiana recipe the same way, and more often than not, the "recipe" will be "a little of this, and a little of that." So, maybe you'll want to just get out your cast iron pots and skillets, put on a little Zydeco music, and have at it!
But if you'd like a little more structure to your cooking, we have a vast repertoire of Cajun and Creole recipes you can try.
