Blackened Salmon and Cajun Dirty Rice

I love Cajun Food. The other day Steve and I watched an Anthony Bourdain "No Reservations" Episode where he went to Lousianna and ate some delicious Cajun Food. It inspired me all the more to make a delicious Cajun meal.

As with all meals, this one is a little spicy so tone down the cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning if you prefer a little more mild flavor. For us: the spicier, the better. I guess that's what you get for living in the Land of Enchantment.

Speaking of spicy...The little one got her hands on a Jalapeno chip the other day--and she loved it. I tell ya, this girl was born into the right family.

Now back to the point. Enjoy this cajun meal. It gives you that cajun flavor without paying an arm and a leg for it! You must make the dirty rice with the meal...must!

Original Recipes found here and here.

Blackened Salmon

Ingredients:

2 salmon fillets
2 T. paprika
1 T. Cayenne Pepper
1 T. Onion Powder
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. oregano
1-2 T. Olive Oil
2 T. Butter, melted.

Directions:

1. Remove Skin from Salmon. This is important because the spices will not stick to the salmon unless it is skinned.
2. Combine Ingredients Paprika through Oregano. You will probably have extra. You can save it for a future date or make more fish!
3. Rub Olive oil into both sides of fish and then sprinkle generously with the Spice Mixture on both sides as well.
4. Heat a heavy skillet over medium to medium high heat (it will depend on your stove). Then using 1 T. of butter, pour onto one side of each salmon fillet.
5. Place the salmon fillet, butter side down, into the skillet and blacken for about 3-4 minutes. **A couple of tips. Move the salmon around a couple of times so that the spices don't stick to the pan instead of the salmon and if you can put a lid on the skillet to help the salmon cook all the way through.
6. Turn the salmon over and cook for a few more minutes or until salmon is done. When the salmon is done it will flake easily with a fork.

Cajun Dirty Rice 

Ingredients: (Makes 3 cups rice)

1 T. Canola Oil
1/4 of a Large White onion, chopped
1/2 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
1 Celery Stalk, chopped
1-2 T. Cajun Seasoning (Be brave, go for 2!)
1 Cup Basmati Rice
1 1/2 Cups Low SOdium Chicken Broth
1/2 Cup Water
2-3 Scallions, for garnish (Which I totally forgot, whoops!)

Directions: 

1. Over Medium High heat, add onion, bell pepper, and Celery to a skillet (make sure you have a lid for  the skillet!). Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the Cajun seasonings and stir to coat.
2. Next add the rice, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil. Once it has come to a boil, put on the lid and reduce heat to as low as it will go. Cook for 20 minutes without removing the lid. Then fluff with a fork. Garnish with Scallions and serve with Blackened Salmon!

Enjoy!