Easy Cajun Cooking

No matter what level of experience you have when it comes to cooking there are all kinds of hints, tips, tricks, and mixes that make the process so much easier. There are all kinds of great mixes available when it comes to ethnic foods that it is now easier than ever to do some really easy Cajun cooking no matter where you live or how proficient you are with various kitchen appliances.

Try some of the mixes below the next time you prepare a feast for the family and have them all saying "Wow" as they reach for a glass of iced tea or other cold beverage of choice. You will have the knowledge that no one else needs to know...this really is easy Cajun cooking and the taste is maaahhvelous!







Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind with these products is that you can purchase and prepare them for far less money than you would spend trying to make some gourmet feast that is twice as difficult to prepare and has only half the flavor of these authentic and easy Cajun cooking masterpieces.

When it comes to seasonings and additives there is one name that makes easy Cajun cooking that much easier: Tony Chachere's. This is a name that you will find lining countless spice racks and pantry shelves throughout Acadiana. If you are looking for the perfect spice or little bit of flavor to add for a flawless Cajun feast then you really need to look no further than Tony Chachere's for the perfect solution.

If easy Cajun cooking is your goal you will be glad to know that in addition to seasonings and spices, Tony Chachere's is also responsible for an impressive line of packaged foods that really make your easy Cajun cooking that much easier.

Red beans and rice is a favorite among visitors to New Orleans when it comes to Cajun food. This dish has very humble beginnings as a meal to be prepared when time is limited or concentrated is divided.

Old traditions had red beans and rice made on Mondays, which were typically wash days when women would wash the laundry for the week. This was an all day prospect and red beans could be left to simmer all day while the laundry was being tended making it an easy Cajun food to prepare.

The good news is that you can make red beans and rice almost anywhere in the country. There are no special ingredients that are necessary in order to make this Cajun food dish work. You will need to keep an occasional eye on the stove as your pot simmers in order to avoid scorching the beans or running out of water. Otherwise, this is a no muss, no fuss meal that is delicious and simple to prepare.

The real beauty of red beans and rice lies in the options it presents rather than one tried and true recipe. You have your choice of ingredients, additives, and seasonings. My personal preference for this Cajun food dish is to use andouille sausage though pretty much any kind of sausage, ham, or chicken will work as an excellent meat choice. I use one pound of sausage (andouille is preferable because the spices are included and you really need to add nothing more than salt to make this a very delicious dish indeed), sliced and fried in the pan I will be making the beans in. Do not drain the grease. Once the sausage has been prepared add 8 cups of water and one bag of dry kidney beans (sort through the beans and eliminate rocks that may have been included for weight before adding them to your pot). Then I add salt (you will need to do this according to the preferences of your family keep in mind that if you use ham rather than sausage you will probably want to add less salt than if you were to use sausage). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and allow to simmer for 6-8 hours.

You will want to stir occasionally as well as add water. You want the water covering the beans at all times. When you are ready to eat you can make rice, cornbread, and/or biscuits to serve along with it and some sweet iced tea is the perfect compliment (especially if you prefer it to be spicy).

Common add ins for red beans and rice that contribute their own blend of flavors include: onions, green peppers, crab boil, and bay leaf. The real beauty about this recipe is that there is no wrong or right way to make red beans. You can test out several different add ins to find the combination that most appeals to you. I prefer the method above because there is very little chopping involved and I like the flavor.

Good luck and by all means let me know how you enjoy this easy Cajun food recipe should you try it.