Sunday, September 7, 2008

Cajun Grilled Chicken and Vegetables

I don't usually buy spice blends, since it seems like you are paying a lot of money for a mysterious mixture that is almost always dominated by cheap salt. So this one I didn't buy. When I attended the Charter School Conference in New Orleans this summer, as part of our welcome gift bag, was a bottle of Cajun Spice Blend. There was no brand name on the bottle-just a welcome to NOLA sticker. It's been sitting in my cupboard since June, waiting for inspiration to strike. For me, that inspiration comes when my back is up to the wall and my defenses are weak, typically after 6 PM, hungry wailing children, mournfully quiet husband, my internal grouch thermometer rising.
I armed myself with my Cajun spice blend and prepared for the battleground that is dinner on a weeknight. Hup two three four. Dinner was on the table in 20 minutes, looking spiffy, healthy and utterly delectably sweet and spicy from the Cajun spices and caramelized brown sugar. Another victory, troops. Make it for Monday night and you'l win the battle and the war. For another great grilled zucchini recipe with Cajun spices and parmesan, check out My Sister's Cucina.

Money Saving Tips: To make your own Cajun spice blend, just combine 4 teaspoons each salt and paprika, 3 teaspoons each garlic powder, onion powder and pepper, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons each cayenne, thyme and oregano. If you've got vegetables from the garden and chicken in the freezer from a sale, this recipe will be dirt cheap.

Cajun Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
Estimated Cost $6.50
Notes: Serve with minute brown rice or couscous for a lightening fast complete meal.

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken

1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise, about 1/4 inch thick

1 summer squash, sliced lengthwise, about 1/4 inch thick

1 red pepper, seeded, stemmed and cut into 4 large slices

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/3 cup brown sugar

4 tablespoons Cajun spice blend
Preheat grill or broiler. Arrange chicken and vegetables on a large baking sheet. Brush with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with brown sugar and Cajun Spice blend. Grill or broil chicken and vegetables about 4 minutes per side, or until done. Let rest for two minutes and serve.

Coming First Light Of Tuesday:

Tuesdays with Dorie

Chocolate Malted Whopper Cookies

36 comments:

Lore said...

Those searing marks look mighty great and everything is simply mouthwatering! Great job as always Prudy :D

NKP said...

Looks fab! I have always wondered what went into Cajun spice blend. We only rarely see it here in my neck of the woods, thanks!

Marjie said...

It's always a plus when you can make everyone happy in under half an hour! Personally, I shoot for an hour and sometimes even make it...

RecipeGirl said...

I always avoid cajun seasoning because I think my 7 year old won't eat something so spicy. Did it turn out spicy? Maybe dipped in ranch dressing would cool it off a bit!

Anonymous said...

This looks delicious! And I am always up for a 20 minute dinner. Baby Paul was just singing along to your music. He was singing, "How'd you do? How'd you do? How'd you do?" We were all cracking up! We love your music and now we know that Babes does too!

The Blonde Duck said...

I don't understand how you always say you're a grouch! You seem so cheerful and creative all the time! It must be a joy to be around you!

gigi said...

All my favorites, veggies and chicken! I eat so much chicken I've started growing wings. I don't think there is a flavor I don't like! ('cept maybe fried, that's not my favorite, don't that just sound nuts for a southern girl?? Can't you just hear my southern drawl, saying 'fried chicken') And anything with grill marks just tastes better.

I'm with Catherine, you should see my little ones bouncing to your tunes!

vanillasugarblog said...

I have to admire you for making your own mixed spices. I wish I had the patience for that one; I know it saves money for sure. I love love love Cajun cooking. This is perfect for outside grilling with an ice cold beer. Now I'm hungry again!

Mary Ann said...

We would love this. nothing better than grilled veggies with some protein. I can see why everyone was won over- delicious!

Anna M. said...

Looks tasty...I especially loved grilled vegetables!

Leslie said...

internal grouch thermometer .....yep I have one of those too!!! LOL

Astra Libris said...

What a fantastic idea to combine the Cajun spices with brown sugar! I will definitely try your scrumptious recipe, as we use Cajun spice blends on e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g... I even put Cajun spices on ice cream once, just to prove that we really did use the stuff all the time... :-) Not a prep method I recommend. :-p
Thank you for the great use of spices from our corner of the southland! :-) Yum!

Prudy said...

Recipe Girl:
Suprisingly, not quite as spicy as I like. We so cal people sure like our spice, even after we relocate. I'm sure you can relate. It wasn't spicy enough to scare away my charges.

CECIL said...

I can never get enough anything Cajun! The zucchini just looks so delicious!

Poise Daily said...

Right.. exactly.. the mixed spices have so much salt... Have you tried the organic spice blends? I love Zuc I tell ya, and I think this is something i could actually manage to do stove top... as always, you do it so well and pictures are worth a 1000 bites!

Emily said...

Oh I LOVE grilled veggies! I don't cook with cajun spices that often either, I leave that to my handsome hubby. He loves the heat!

MK and Co. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MK and Co. said...

I love these type of recipes! Your dry rub spice chicken has already made it in my weekly menu. I have a hunch this one will too. Everything looks like it taste so good!

Esi said...

I love your simple and delicious recipes! This looks like another keeper!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

I also like to make my own spice blends, but nothing wrong with using allready made ones if they are gifts ;)!
I think I would love this and thanks for giving the recipe of the blend anyway! I think I'll have grilled zucchini for lunch today!

grace said...

what a terrific meal! you don't have to say anything other than "carmelized brown sugar" to reel me in. :)

Beth (jamandcream) said...

How exciting you're coming to the UK. I hope the weather gets better for you!!!. As I live in Cornwall I would have to say the Cornish Pasty is a must eat (but only try this if you are in Cornwall!!) - If you are coming to Cornwall let me know !!
4 other things would be...
~A Cornish Clotted Cream Tea (scone with jam and clotted cream)

~ A Full English Breakfast

~ Chicken Tikka Masala from a curry house

~ Toad in the hole

If you were here in the summer I would have said Eton Mess too but strawberries wont be in season! Oh and you have to try some Stinking Bishop cheese!!

If you are in London go to this fab cook book shop in Notting Hill called 'books for cooks' http://www.booksforcooks.com/

I'll keep thinking

Maria said...

Your grilled veggies look so good! I am sad grilling season is coming to an end. We might have to get out in the snow this year...I just love the grilled flavor too much!

Pam said...

Looks delicious. Sometimes those quick meals are the best.

Peter M said...

Good tip Prudy, shall do next time I need some Cajun.

The grilled veggies look outstanding...great grill marks on the zukes.

Sara said...

Look at you...I love your creativity. There are so many times when I too have grouchy people wondering when dinner will be on the table. This is great for those days. It looks absolutely delish. Thanks for the prompt to see our blog...every little bit helps! I'm looking forward to your cookies tomorrow.

Amy said...

Looks delish!! I LOVE cajun seasoning and the addition of brown sugar sounds wonderful!! I hope you enjoyed the whole wheat pancakes:) We just had those for breakfast today. They are fast, easy and I always have the ingredients on hand. I have tried several of your recipes and they are ALWAYS wonderful!!

Anonymous said...

Looks delicious. I'll have to try that soon.
~The Cat's Pajamas

Kana said...

I feel the same way about spice blends - but they do come in handy when I am a little short on time.

Deanna said...

Scandalous! Bring on Tuesday... my mouth is already watering!

Marcy said...

Every time I stop by I leave with my mouth watering!! Great job with your recipes and pictures...I love all of the info you provide on your blog!

Have a great week!

27Susans said...

Hi Prudy,

Thanks for visiting my new blog. I'm enjoying your music while checking out your recipes. I love grilled veggies, too. My garden has enough zucchini to grill 'til the cows come home. Do you have a recipe for zucchini burgers to go with your recipe for burger buns?

Marie Rayner said...

Those chicken and vegs look wonderful Erin! We've had really crummy weather here all summer. The barbeque has hardly seen the light of day. It's most annoying!

Natalie Que said...

Oh double yum, this looks good too and I swear I somehow have that same spice so I can tick off that box... and I love couscous so I'll pick that one.

I forgot to mention in my last comment how you stole the words right out of my mouth about cookies. Oh those blasted chubs and clogged arteries standing in the way of cookie heaven!

viagra online said...

I share as my mom prepare the garlic to add to meals:
wash the head of garlic and putting it in foil, add olive oil, salt and spice. And wraps it into the oven, garlic is mashed and gives an amazing flavor to recipes

Ryan said...

There are many online job directories you can try, just look under the healthcare columns for relevant nurse jobs. The best thing about a nursing home lawyer is the fact that they have a vast amount of knowledge regarding the subject. Finding Nurse Practitioner Jobs If you just had your baby you are no doubt unable to fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes and not too excited about wearing your maternity clothes too much longer.