Cajun Spice Mix

I’ve mentioned my love of smoked paprika before, so when I realized that this cajun spice mix was mostly smoked paprika, I knew I had to make it. Besides the paprika, there are a lot of different flavors going on here, including basil, oregano, and a good dose of cayenne pepper, and together they’re the perfect combination for any gumbos, jambalayas, or other cajun dishes you might wish to make. I’ll be posting two recipes of my own using this mix on Wednesday and Friday.

Cajun Spice Mix (adapted from She Spills The Beans)
Yield: approximately 1/2 cup

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp black peppercorns
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp celery seeds

Method:
In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, combine 3 1/2 Tbsp smoked paprika, 2 bay leaves, 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp dried basil, 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp dried thyme, 2 tsp black peppercorns, 2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 2 tsp celery seeds. Grind until desired consistency. Store in a jar at room temperature; this spice mix will stay good for 6 months but will decrease in flavor with time.