Salt Free Cajun Seasoning Blend
Make a versatile, salt-free Cajun blend with paprika, chiles, garlic and herbs. Adjust heat, freeze extras, and use on seafood, gumbo, beans.
Submitted by: Helen from Sun City, California
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups
- This salt-free mix uses paprika, several powdered chiles, garlic and onion powders, and savory herbs to add bold Cajun flavor without sodium.
- Adjust heat and flavor by changing cayenne, chipotle or herb amounts. Use it as a rub, in sauces, or mixed with butter for fish.
- Store in an airtight jar. Keep in the pantry up to 6 months or freeze for up to 12 months to preserve freshness.
Preparation Instructions:
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
I don't put salt in this mix, because I like to use as much as I want for flavor, and add salt as needed when cooking.
More About This Recipe
You can adjust the flavor by adding or subtracting any herb you like. You can also make half a recipe. Keep the extra in the freezer. I use this herb mix in many things--not just Cajun meals. It is good in pasta sauces, beans, sprinkled on fish to saute, etc. It's very good mixed with melted butter, garlic, lemon and herbs to pour over poached or pan sauteed fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in this salt-free Cajun seasoning?
It combines black pepper, cayenne, ground chipotle, garlic powder, powdered New Mexico or California chiles, powdered pasilla, onion powder, oregano, sage, paprika, thyme, and powdered bay leaves. No salt is included so you can season to taste while cooking.
How can I make a smaller batch?
Cut every ingredient in half to make a smaller batch. The mix scales linearly, so you can make any portion by dividing each measurement the same way.
How should I store the seasoning and how long will it keep?
Keep it in an airtight container away from light and heat. In a cool pantry it stays flavorful for about 6 months. For best shelf life and to preserve aroma, store extras in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Can I add salt or change the heat level?
Yes. Add salt while cooking so you control final saltiness. To reduce heat, cut the cayenne amount. To increase smokiness, add more chipotle or use smoked paprika. Taste as you go and adjust gradually.
What can I substitute for pasilla, chipotle, or New Mexico chiles?
If you do not have pasilla, use ancho or guajillo. For chipotle, smoked paprika plus a bit more cayenne adds smoke. California or New Mexico chiles can be swapped with ancho or guajillo for mild chili flavor.
How much seasoning should I use in recipes?
Some starting points: 1 teaspoon per pound of meat for a rub, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per fish fillet, 1 tablespoon per quart of soup or beans, and 1 to 2 tablespoons per pot of gumbo. Start with less and add more to taste.
Is this blend suitable for low-sodium diets and does it contain common allergens?
Yes, the recipe has no added salt, so it is good for low-sodium diets. The ingredients are spices and herbs and are typically gluten-free, but check labels on store-bought spices for cross-contamination warnings if you have severe allergies.
What is in this salt-free Cajun seasoning?
It combines black pepper, cayenne, ground chipotle, garlic powder, powdered New Mexico or California chiles, powdered pasilla, onion powder, oregano, sage, paprika, thyme, and powdered bay leaves. No salt is included so you can season to taste while cooking.
How can I make a smaller batch?
Cut every ingredient in half to make a smaller batch. The mix scales linearly, so you can make any portion by dividing each measurement the same way.
How should I store the seasoning and how long will it keep?
Keep it in an airtight container away from light and heat. In a cool pantry it stays flavorful for about 6 months. For best shelf life and to preserve aroma, store extras in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Can I add salt or change the heat level?
Yes. Add salt while cooking so you control final saltiness. To reduce heat, cut the cayenne amount. To increase smokiness, add more chipotle or use smoked paprika. Taste as you go and adjust gradually.
What can I substitute for pasilla, chipotle, or New Mexico chiles?
If you do not have pasilla, use ancho or guajillo. For chipotle, smoked paprika plus a bit more cayenne adds smoke. California or New Mexico chiles can be swapped with ancho or guajillo for mild chili flavor.
How much seasoning should I use in recipes?
Some starting points: 1 teaspoon per pound of meat for a rub, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per fish fillet, 1 tablespoon per quart of soup or beans, and 1 to 2 tablespoons per pot of gumbo. Start with less and add more to taste.
Is this blend suitable for low-sodium diets and does it contain common allergens?
Yes, the recipe has no added salt, so it is good for low-sodium diets. The ingredients are spices and herbs and are typically gluten-free, but check labels on store-bought spices for cross-contamination warnings if you have severe allergies.
Comments