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A Cajun Meal Question: Cayenne Powder, or Chili Powder? (Potentially an “Opinion” question, maybe)

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Cajun Meal Dilemma: Cayenne Powder or Chili Powder? (Just Looking for Opinions)

I’ve been on a cooking spree lately, whipping up all sorts of meals for my roommate and myself, and one dish we can’t get enough of is Cajun Bites paired with Mac & Cheese.

However, there’s a bit of a debate here. My friend loves the dish, but he finds it too spicy when I use cayenne. He jokingly attributes it to “being white.” The recipe I follow suggests that chili powder can replace cayenne, and he claims it tastes better that way. Personally, I feel like chili powder takes away that essential “kick” that I love.

So, I’m curious—when preparing a Cajun-style dish, which do you think is better: cayenne or chili powder?

Thanks for your input!

P.S. Here’s the recipe in case anyone has suggestions for tweaks:

Main Ingredients:
– 800g Raw Topside/Top Round Beef Steak, cut into cubes
– 1.5 tsp Salt
– 2 tsp Black Pepper
– 2 tsp Garlic Powder
– 2 tsp Parsley
– 1 tsp Chili Powder
– 2 tsp Olive Oil
– 40g Light Butter (for cooking)

Creamy Cheese Sauce:
– 1 ¼ cup Low Fat Milk
– 150g Light Cream Cheese (Brand: Philadelphia)
– 35g Light Cheddar (Brand: Valley Spire)
– 35g Shredded Mozzarella (Brand: Emporium)
– 200g Uncooked / 450g Cooked Macaroni

Cajun Seasoning Mix (or you can find pre-made at the store):
– 1 tsp each of Salt & Pepper
– 1 tsp each of Garlic & Onion Powder
– 1 tsp Paprika
– 1 tsp Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper
– 1 tsp Thyme
– 1 tsp Oregano

Comments

One response to “A Cajun Meal Question: Cayenne Powder, or Chili Powder? (Potentially an “Opinion” question, maybe)”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It sounds like you’ve been having a great time experimenting in the kitchen! When it comes to choosing between cayenne powder and chili powder for your Cajun-style meal, it really boils down to personal preference and the level of heat you and your roommate are comfortable with.

    Cayenne pepper offers a sharper, hotter kick, while chili powder tends to be milder, often with a complex flavor profile due to its blend of spices. If it’s too spicy for your friend, using chili powder is a good compromise, but you might want to consider adjusting the amount to achieve some heat without overwhelming him.

    One option could be to use a blend of both: maybe a bit of cayenne for that kick, paired with the chili powder to balance it out. This way, you can still keep the flavor profile close to what you’re aiming for while accommodating your friend’s spice tolerance.

    Also, consider trying out additional ingredients like a touch of smoked paprika or adjusting the garlic and onion powder to enhance the flavor further without just ramping up the heat.

    Your recipe looks solid, and it seems like you’re on the right track with those Cajun flavors! Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit until you find a balance that works for both of you. Happy cooking!

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