For Cajun spice mix you will need...

½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp corriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp thyme
2 tbs paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp salt

Makes 3 -4tbsp mix

Here's how...

This mix is fabulous when made with really smoky paprika - I promise it makes all the difference to buy good quality here, the authentic stuff normally comes in a little tin.

Make up the mix and then keep in an airtight jar, perfect for sprinkling onto potato wedges, chicken, into fajitas or onto fish. You could even use it in this recipe for paprika sardines in place of the paprika to make a spicier finished dish.

For spice shopping, we'd really recommend a trip to Cowley Road, where the grocers all sell massive bags of spices for less than the price of a jar in the supermarket. You can stock up the spice cupboard for less than a fiver, and as long as you keep them sealed you'll be able to create flavoursome dishes for many months.

Method
Put the mustard seeds, corriander seeds and cumin seeds into a pestle and mortar and gently bash into a coarse powder.

Add the thyme, paprika, salt and cayenne and mix to combine.

If you have a coffee grinder, just pop the ingredients in all together, blitz for 30 seconds and you're done.

The mix is now ready to be used in a recipe, or else stored in a jar for use another time.

Store for a few weeks in a sealed container. After this time, the mix will start to lose its flavour and pungency.

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