Cajun food is a blend of French and American cooking. Though native to Louisiana, its popularity has spread far and wide. While menus may include a variety of items, a few staples are relatively consistent across restaurants and kitchens that specialize in the cuisine. Here are a few of the most common ingredients in Cajun food.

5 Staple Ingredients in Cajun Cuisine

1. Seafood

Cajun cuisine grew out of Louisiana’s Gulf coast, so most of the ingredients are native to that area. And that means lots of seafood. Crawfish and catfish are especially prevalent, from crawfish boil to jambalaya.

2. Andouille

Andouille is a spicy smoked pork sausage originated by the French, who colonized New Orleans in the 17th  century and influenced the local cuisine. Jambalaya is an especially common dish that contains andouille.

3. Rice

Rice is a staple in several world cuisines, and Cajun is no exception. It is a base for flavorful dishes like jambalaya, etouffee, or gumbo.

4. Cornbread

Cornbread is a popular starch throughout the South, Louisiana included. Both salty and sweet, it’s a perfect accompaniment for many spicy Cajun dishes.

5. Spice Blends

Cajun is almost synonymous with spice. Cayenne pepper, chili pepper, garlic, and sassafrass, among others, are all used to create very flavorful foods. While there are a number of different blends with varying levels of heat, spice is an essential component.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy Cajun food in Lincoln, NE, stop by Buzzard Billy’s. The restaurant has a full bar and serves everything from burgers and steak to soul food, with an extensive menu of authentic Cajun dishes. They even have farm-raised Louisiana alligator on the menu. View the full menu and happy hour specials on their website or call (402) 475-8822 to learn more.