Trim Healthy Mama Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe: A Flavorful Low-Calorie Spice Blend

For followers of the popular Trim Healthy Mama (THM) diet, flavor is just as important as keeping calories low. This homemade Cajun seasoning blend packs a flavorful punch without added sugars or unnecessary sodium. Customize it to suit your taste buds and spice tolerance!

Overview of Trim Healthy Mama Diet

The Trim Healthy Mama diet is centered around eating foods that fuel your body well without spiking blood sugar. It advocates separating foods into two main categories:

• S-Meals: Lower carb, higher fat
• E-Meals: Higher carb, lower fat

The diet recommends eating a balance of S and E meals to keep energy levels stable. Homemade seasonings like this Cajun spice blend allow you to add lots of flavor to your THM meals without compromising the diet.

Benefits of Homemade Seasonings on THM

Packaged Cajun seasonings often contain added sugars, preservatives, and enormous amounts of sodium. By making your own THM-friendly blend at home, you can control exactly what goes into it.

Benefits of homemade THM seasonings include:

• Avoid added sugars
• Control sodium content
• Use healthier oils like avocado or olive oil
• Adjust spice levels to your taste
• Customize flavor profile
• Save money vs. store-bought

Ingredients for THM Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Experiment with different proportions to customize this Cajun seasoning to your tastes. Core ingredients include:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme

Optional additions like cumin, celery seed, or mustard powder also add flavor depth.

Recipe and Method for THM Cajun Seasoning

Making your own THM-friendly Cajun seasoning takes just a few easy steps:

1. Mix together all dried herbs and spices in a small bowl.
2. Start with about 2 Tbsp each paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and 1 Tbsp each pepper and cayenne. Adjust amounts as desired.
3. Whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute ingredients.
4. Transfer to an airtight container like a jar with a shaker top for easy use.
5. Label jar with recipe details and date.
6. Will keep for up to 6 months stored in a cool, dark place.

Feel free to tweak this basic recipe with your own favorite Cajun flavors until you find your perfect THM Cajun spice blend.

Applying Homemade Cajun Seasoning to THM Meals

Homemade Cajun seasoning is incredibly versatile within the Trim Healthy Mama eating principles. It can be used to flavor S or E meals for a spicy kick.

Try these ideas for using it in your cooking:

• Sprinkle on chicken or fish before baking or sautéing
• Add to ground meat for Cajun-style burgers or meatloaf
• Toss with roasted vegetables
• Stir into low-carb “Crack” Chicken or Cauliflower Rice
• Add to egg or tuna salad
• Sprinkle over avocado toast or baked potatoes
• Use as a spicy rim for Bloody Mary’s

Let your imagination run wild finding new ways to incorporate this homemade blend into your Trim Healthy Mama routine!

Storing THM Homemade Cajun Seasoning

To maintain optimal flavor and freshness, store your homemade Cajun seasoning:

• In an airtight container in a cool, dark place
• Away from light, heat, and moisture
• Will keep for 3-6 months stored properly
• For longer shelf life, store in the refrigerator
• Label jar with recipe details and date made

Over time, the dried herbs and spices will start to lose their potency. For the best flavor, try to use up homemade blends within 3-6 months.

FAQs Can I adjust the spice levels in this recipe? Definitely! Reduce the amount of cayenne if you don't like too much heat. You can also add more black pepper. What if I don't have all the ingredients on hand? The paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and black pepper are essential. The other ingredients just add extra flavor depth. How long does this Cajun seasoning last? It will keep for 3-6 months stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration extends the shelf life. What kinds of paprika should I use? Sweet, smoked or hot paprika all work well. Sweet paprika adds color, smoke paprika contributes a smoky flavor, and hot brings some heat. Can I make big batches of this recipe? Yes, you can easily multiply this recipe to make larger batches. Just be sure to store any extra in sealed containers or jars. Recommended Trim Healthy Mama Resources

Check out these resources for more information on successfully following the THM lifestyle:

• Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook - featuring hundreds of S and E friendly recipes
• Trim Healthy Table Cookbook - recipes using whole, unprocessed ingredients
• Trim Healthy Mama Website - for support resources and community
• Trim Healthy Mama Podcast - for inspiration from the THM creators
• THM Facebook Groups - connect with other members following plan

More Flavorful Homemade THM Seasoning Blends

Once you get the hang of putting together your own Cajun spice blend, get creative with more THM seasoning ideas like:

• Ranch seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• BBQ rub
• Italian seasoning
• Everything bagel blend
• Lemon pepper seasoning

The possibilities are endless for crafting your own healthy, homemade seasoning mixes to liven up your Trim Healthy Mama recipes!

Sample Recipes Using Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Here are just a few tasty ideas for ways to use your homemade THM Cajun seasoning blend:

• Cajun Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner - Chicken thighs, sausage, veggies roasted with Cajun spice.
• Cajun Salmon Cakes - Flavored with Cajun seasoning and pan fried.
• Cajun Stuffed Peppers - Bell peppers filled with Cajun spiced ground turkey and rice.
• Cajun Pork Chops - Broiled or grilled pork seasoned with Cajun rub.
• Cajun Shrimp Skewers - Marinated shrimp basted with Cajun butter while grilling.

Put Your Personal THM Spin on Cajun Seasoning

This homemade Cajun seasoning blend is ready to be customized with your own THM-approved touches. Change up the proportions, add extra spice, or experiment with fun additions like coffee, citrus zest, or chipotle powder. Make it truly your own!

With just a few basic ingredients, you can craft a flavorful Cajun spice mix to lift any S or E meal to new taste heights. So break out the spices and get ready to give your THM cooking an exciting homemade Cajun kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I adjust the heat level of this homemade Cajun seasoning?

A: Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding more if you want extra heat. Start with less cayenne and add to taste.

Q: How long will this homemade Cajun seasoning last?

A: Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it will keep for 3-6 months. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life even longer.

Q: What are some good uses for the Cajun seasoning on THM?

A: It's great on poultry, fish, meats, veggies, and even things like deviled eggs. Get creative and add it to E or S meals for flavor.

Q: Can I make a big batch of this Cajun seasoning all at once?

A: Yes, you can easily multiply the recipe to make a large batch for convenience. Just store any extra in a sealed container or jars.

Q: What if I don't have all the ingredients for this recipe?

A: The core ingredients like paprika, oregano, garlic and onion powder are essential. The other spices just add extra complexity, so you can omit them if needed.