cajun food ???????

[Cantw8]

What exactly does "blackened" mean? Is it like searing?

 

[Beth76]

It means spicey. Very spicey. I think maybe it's "blackened" with pepper? Not sure, just that it's spicey.

 

[dennis99ss]

It is like searing, but, it is with the use of spices, not just searing by itself.

 

[java]

No- Blackened is heavily spiced then I guess kind of seared.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art16480.asp
Just an example of ONE way to blacken.

Here's a recipe for the blackening stuff

Blackened Fish Seasoning Blend Recipe

Just the right amount of 'heat' makes this blend perfect for seasoning blackened fish. Use 1/2 (about 7 tablespoons) of this blend for my Cajun Blackened Fish Recipe. Lightly sprinkle on French fried potatoes the second they come out of the fryer for 'Kicked-up' Fries!

Makes 3/4 cups

2 tablespoons sweet paprika
2 tablespoons sea salt
2 tablespoons onion granules
2 tablespoons garlic granules
2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon ground pepper
2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed

 

[tink38]

It's usally used with fish. Paul Prudhomme started this with his own spice mixture awhile back, but you can make your own. I'll see if I can find some recipes for you.

It's fish coated with spices and quickly seared over very high heat in a cast iron skillet.

 

[tink38]

Paul prudhomme's blackened redfish
Categories: Fish
Yield: 6 Servings
¾ pounds Unsalted butter; melted
6 Fish filets (if you can't get redfish; snapper or catfish will do)
Seasoning: a jar of P. Prudhomme's Blackened Redfish Seasoning mix or:
1 tablespoon Paprika
2 ½ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Onion powder
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Ground red pepper
¾ teaspoon White pepper
¾ teaspoon Black pepper
½ teaspoon Dried thyme leaves
½ teaspoon Dried oregano leaves

Date: Sat, 17 Feb 1996 08:17:04 -0600 From: Judy Howle <howle@EbiCom.net> I thought some of ya'll who don't have his LOUISIANA KITCHEN cookbook might like to have these recipes and I already had them typed. I agree with everyone else who raves about his recipes. They can't be beaten! I have made the gumbo numerous times, and crawfish etouffee is one of the best things I have EVER eaten! I will have to type it later, though. And the blackened fish (I use catfish, BTW, cooked inside, sauteed really) is outstanding. In fact, I am making it tonight! Enjoy! You can't do the real recipe indoors, so I have adapted it for indoor cooking. Otherwise, it smokes too much. Outdoors, you heat an iron skillet on high for at least 10 min. until past smoking and white ash appears in it. It can't be too hot. If you do it outdoors in a very hot skillet, be careful with pouring the butter on as it will flame up. Combine seasoning ingredients. Dip each fillet in melted butter, then sprinkle seasoning on both sides, generously, patting in with hand. Place in skillet heated to med-hi and pour 1 tsp. melted butter on top. Cook about 2 min. and turn over and again pour 1 tsp. melted butter on top. Cook about 2 min. Turn and cook another 2 min. with another tsp. butter poured on top, until done. Repeat with remaining fillets. Serve piping hot. This is very delicious, even if not truly "blackened".

 

[Cantw8]

thanks...I am going to a Cajun restaurant tomorrow night and wasn't sure I love spicy and I like my meat seared so that should work out good

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

What exactly does "blackened" mean? Is it like searing?

Oh crap...are you going to try to cook again??? Blackened is kinda like how all your other food looks when your done with it.

 

[tink38]

 

[Cantw8]

Oh crap...are you going to try to cook again??? Blackened is kinda like how all your other food looks when your done with it.

It's kinda how your eye's going to look if you keep it up

 

[minie_meese]

You can prepare a variety of fish and meats such as chicken, pork chops, sirloin steak, etc. blackened. It is best done in a cast iron skillet after covering the meat or fish with oil or butter and then spinkling it with a good covering on spices. Cook in the skillet on a grill or on the stove after gettnig the skillet very hot. if done indoors make sure to turn the vent hood on high.

 

[bananiem]

Google Images really let me down today.
Seriously, have a great dinner!

 

[Babboo]

Gotta love google and wiki...

http://www.epicurious.com/tools/fooddictionary/entry/?id=1400

but my favorite commentary on "cajun" food is this one:

http://www.gumbopages.com/food/cajun-craze.html