This is just going to be a quick post because I am very tired. But I decided to try making some salmon tacos today. It was one of those "30 minute meal" recipe cards from Cook's Country. Except the recipe called for "blackening seasoning", which I didn't realize was a thing. I always assumed that "blackened <whatever>" just meant that you cooked it in a way that tended to result in an all-over char. I didn't realize that there were specific spices or flavours associated with it.

It turns out that "blackening seasoning" is pretty similar to cajun seasoning. There are many different recipes, of course. But it seems to run heavy on the paprika and onion. It's usually a bit spicy too with a fair dose of cayenne. Garlic and pepper (usually black, but sometimes white) also play a role. And then a few herbs to round out the mix. The recipe I was following used basil, oregano, and thyme, but noted that other combinations were possible.

Blackening Seasoning

Slightly adapted from Chili Pepper Madness

Ingredients

• 6 parts dried onion
• 2 parts black peppercorns
• 2 parts coarse sea salt
• 1 part dried basil
• 1 part dried oregano
• 1 part dried thyme
• 12 parts paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 4-6 parts ground cayenne
• 2 parts garlic powder

Directions

1. Place the dried onion, peppercorns, salt, basil, oregano, and thyme in a spice grinder and grind very fine.
2. Stir in paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder.
3. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.