A Cajun boil can include all kinds of seafood.
One of the tastiest things you can find at an outdoor summer party is a Cajun boil. Depending on what it is that you are making, this can be either simple or difficult. From peanuts to seafood-based dishes there is a variety of Cajun boil recipes to choose from. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Cajun Shrimp Boil
The Cajun shrimp boil is a tradition in most of the Southern states, and the food preparation isn't really difficult. The ingredients include about 3 lbs. of fresh shrimp, garlic, an onion, lemons, potatoes and some strong Cajun spices. Other items to include are bay leaves, salt, corn on the cob and some shrimp seasonings for an extra kick. You can add as much of the other ingredients as you want, depending on your preferences. To make it, just boil water and add the ingredient that takes the longest to cook, first.
Cajun Crab Boil
You may think that the Cajun crab boil will have the same ingredients as those for a shrimp boil. However, because crab and shrimp have different tastes, they require different seasonings and other ingredients. One recipe calls for mustard seeds -- yellow is best -- bay leaves, allspice, crushed red pepper and the crab. Cooks on a small budget can also use imitation crab meat. Simply boil the water and add the ingredients and spices.
Cajun Boiled Peanuts
Perhaps one of the tastiest Cajun snacks you can make is Cajun boiled peanuts. The ingredients needed for this are primarily spices. When you soak the peanuts in boiling water, simply add ingredients such as onion powder, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, chilli powder and thyme. To make the peanuts really spicy, chop up jalapeno, red or orange peppers to throw into the pot as well. This easy recipe makes for a great snack with dinner, or a great appetizer at a dinner party. Aside from being simple, another benefit is how cost-efficient this food is.
Tradition of Cajun Boils
Cajun boils are traditional in places including Texas, Tennessee and Mexico. Cooking in the Mexican culture thrives on natural spices, which often makes their food a bit spicier than most. Cajun rice is a popular food in the Mexican culture. Bay leaves are the most common ingredient in all the recipes, and this is because they offer a pinch of flavor that is not common from any other spice. The ingredients used for Cajun boils are all-natural, making these dishes healthful.
Tags: boil water, Cajun boil, Mexican culture, other ingredients, shrimp boil