Cajun "American Barbecue" - Red Meats

What is my American spice blend?

The American spice blend is a composition from Louisiana, USA. This ready-to-use preparation is ideal for those who love spicy recipes.

You may be familiar with the use of American spices to season barbecued meats. It is true that red meat and poultry are tastier and have an incomparable taste. You can also use this spice blend to season your sauces, fish and vegetables.

I have designed this blend to please all palates, without being too spicy. You can therefore consume this spice blend in peace if you do not want a taste too strong. If you like, feel free to add an extra dose of chilli if you are a fan of very spicy dishes.

Ingredients for the American blend

For this American blend, I use the ingredients from the basic Louisiana recipe. It is a subtle blend and balance of garlic, salt, mustard, paprika, thyme, oregano, onions, pepper, cumin and hot pepper.

David Vanille's choice: I have adapted the original recipe while keeping the basic spices to find a perfect harmony of flavors.

Differences between pepper and hot pepper

Pepper is the fruit of the pepper plant, a vine found all around the world. Black, white or green, pepper is used in the cuisine of cultures on five continents. Pepper brings a touch of spiciness and reveals the taste of the food with which it is associated.

The strength of pepper can be measured using the Scoville scale. Peppers and paprika are very mild chillies of degree 0, i.e. they do not bite at all.

Depending on the region of the world and the different palates, everyone can choose the pepper that suits their taste. Chillies have long competed with pepper, but their scents and flavors are complementary. That's why they are inseparable from the American blend I create for you.

The origins of the American spice blend

The American blend appeared in the hands of the French settlers who were expelled from Nova Scotia in the 18th century. Arriving in the swampy bayous of Louisiana, they had to adapt to a new way of eating. In their exile, they took with them some basic foods (aromatic herbs, spices ...) and their culinary tradition from France.

The Acadians showed creativity by combining the flavors they mastered perfectly. It is with the alliance of their French culinary art and the addition of new spices that they knew how to prepare spicy marinades to bring more taste. This is how onion, garlic, thyme, oregano and mustard met paprika, cumin, pepper and hot pepper for tasty dishes with a unique flavor.

Depending on the times, families and desires, American spice recipes have been balanced a little differently over time.

Benefits of the ingredients in this spice blend

In addition to spicing up your dishes, the American blend adds color to your dishes. The presence of different herbs and spices brings a palette of colors to your plate. It is the pleasure of the taste and the eyes in a single mixture.

The beneficial properties of spices are as follows:

• The capsaicin of the pepper increases the feeling of satiety
• Cumin promotes digestion
• Mustard seeds are antioxidant
• Garlic, oregano and thyme have anti-infectious properties
• Paprika fights against skin aging

How to use these American spices in cooking?

This blend can be adapted to a variety of different flavors, so you can discover new ones. Sprinkle some of this blend in your daily cooking, whatever the circumstances! It will go equally well with meats, poultry, fish and shellfish as well as vegetables.

Use it for all types of cooking: barbecued, grilled, baked, steamed, in sauces, in soups, on skewers, in simmered dishes, in terrines, in stews... All the flavors of Louisiana on your family's and guests' plates for a great tasting souvenir!

Here's a little extra advice: if you're worried that the slight spiciness of this mixture will make your palate tingle, I suggest you add it at the very beginning of cooking. On the other hand, if you are fond of this little hot tip, you can sprinkle it on at the end of cooking.

And for the thrill-seekers: don't hesitate to add a little of this blend to your salads and other raw vegetables.

Our recipe ideas with my American spice blend

Would you like to discover all the flavors so typical of traditional American cuisine? Here are a few ideas on how to make the most of my American spice blend.

The starter: spicy salad

The American spice blend will spice up thefresh vegetablesin your entrée. Sprinkle it on tomatoes, avocados, green beans, red beans, grated carrots, red cabbage... You can also use it to season your salad dressing.

The dish: marinated chicken

American spices are a great way to enhance the taste of chicken. For a tender and tasty meat, prepare a marinade with sunflower oil and the American blend. Soak the chicken pieces on all sides and let them rest overnight in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator. Place in a dish and bake in the oven, not forgetting to turn on the grill mode at the end of cooking for more crispness.

Bonus: Don't hesitate touse the spice mix to season your meat, salmon or sweet potatopies. It spices up the taste in an original way that really makes a difference.

How to store American Spice Blend

The American spice mix can be stored in a cool, dry place, away from light for a longer preservation. You can also use an airtight glass jar if you want to use it as a decorative element in your kitchen.

Composition: garlic, salt, mustard, paprika, spices and herbs.