Because sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, they beckon to be tossed in all things spicy. Enter, a simple cajun spice mix, comprised of things you likely have sitting in your pantry right now. SaltPepperPaprikaCayenneGarlic PowderOreganoThyme Who knew getting down ‘n’ dirty cajun style was this easy? Speaking of easy, so is this recipe! Just 9 ingredients (give or take a spice) and roughly 30 minutes required. That’s my kind of soul food.
Origins of Cajun Seasoning
For seasoning these fries, we opted for cajun-inspired flavor! Cajun food originated in southern Louisiana. It’s named after the French colonists (Acadians) who settled in the area after being forcibly removed from the Acadia region of Canada. (source) Along with onion, celery, and bell peppers, cajun seasoning is one of the main ingredients used to add flavor to cajun cooking. It typically includes spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and herbs such as thyme and/or oregano. You can learn more about Cajun seasoning (vs Creole seasoning) and ways to use it here. Our cajun-inspired blend strays a bit from traditional, skipping the onion powder and opting for smoked paprika for a more smoky flavor. These fries are amazing! SavoryNaturally sweetPerfectly spicedAmazingly flavorfulSimpleQuick& Perfect for snacking / appetizers / a side dish My favorite way to have sweet potato fries is alongside a hearty veggie burger. But these really are perfect as is as a snack or appetizer. And if you aren’t into super spicy foods, just scale back on the cayenne for slightly less heat without sacrificing flavor. If you try these gems, let us know! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram! We’d love to see. Cheers!