Homemade Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

Cajun spice or seasoning contains super antioxidants and flavor components, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. For heat, cajun seasoning contains cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, and red chili flakes. But it’s difficult to get this kick without loads of sodium. A teaspoon of Louisiana cajun spice contains almost a whole day’s worth of sodium at 1,200 mg!

I found this Cajun seasoning recipe on DaVita.com, a resource for patients with kidney disease. I love using this Cajun seasoning to spice up whole grains (particularly rice), soups, stews, pasta, roasted chickpeas and soybeans (a.k.a. soy nuts), fish, grilled tofu, veggies, dressings, and popcorn! No worries about the salt. Try it on anything!

What’s In It…

• 2 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Optional: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (If you like it really hot!)

How It’s Made…

• Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well to fully mix all the spices.
• Use immediately and store the remainder in an airtight container. (I save glass spice jars for this purpose.) Label the bottle with the date you prepared it.

Nutrients Per Serving (1 teaspoon)

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0 gm
• Carbohydrates: 1 gm
• Fat: 0 gm
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 32 mg
• Phosphorus: 7 mg
• Calcium: 9 mg
• Fiber: 0.5 gm

Makes 20 servings.

NOTE: This seasoning is appropriate for patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and on dialysis.