If you’ve ever enjoyed the hearty and spicy New Orleans-style food, then you already know what the creole seasoning is all about. The warmest and most vibrant flavors that give life to a wide variety of Louisianan dishes.

What a beautiful combination of European flavors merged with African traditions and the good-old southern ingredients. That’s the Creole style, a literal hotpot of tasty goodies from all corners of the earth.

Here’s all you wanted to know about Creole Seasonings. From its fantastic history to what is creole seasoning, and, of course, how to use it in your kitchen.

What Exactly Is Creole Seasoning?

Creole seasoning is any combination of the following herbs and spices:

• Bay leaf
• Oregano
• Sassafras
• Celery
• Garlic
• Thyme

• Onion
• Parsley
• Dried shrimp
• Sugarcane
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Bell peppers

To understand Creole seasoning, we must dig deep into its history. Let’s start with who are the Creole people?

We’re talking about immigrant communities that mingled with people from other places. In Louisiana’s case, these were people of African descent merrily mixing with French and Spanish immigrants sharing traditions and customs.

Creole people were the ‘born in the New World,’ and that meant something. It brought a sense of pride. That firm sense of identity, though, certainly shines its best in the kitchen.

Creole cuisine is the high-end version of Cajun food. It takes inspiration from European herbs rather than spices. Think creamy oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp remoulade, papillote fish and bread pudding. Some of the most exquisite American food.

Of course, Creole cuisine’s very base is the famous ‘holy trinity’ of bell pepper, onion and celery.

What’s The Difference Between Creole and Cajun Seasonings?

Creole and Cajun seasonings are similar since they’re both from Louisiana and share the same ingredient base, but there are key differences between the two styles.

Cajun is heavy on spices, and cayenne pepper is king. Creole seasonings are more refined aromatically and depend on a proper use of herbs, with oregano, marjoram and thyme as the critical components.

Cajun cuisine is rustic, bolder and community-driven, while Creole spices liven more elaborate dishes, worthy of the finest New Orleans restaurants. They’re two sides of the same coin, and you can’t have one without the other.

How To Cook With Creole Seasoning?

Creole seasoning can be a fantastic dry rub for beef, pork and poultry, and it can amp-up a tangy marinade for BBQ and smoked meat. Other than that, you can use the herbal creole spices to add distinction to regional dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, seasoned rice, soups and hearty stews.

The bottom line? If you’re putting together a southern-style backyard party with meals to share, barbecue, and a big pot of gumbo, go for Cajun. If you’re organizing a tasty European and Southern-inspired dinner party, then Creole seasoning is the right choice.

Health Benefits In Creole Seasoning

Creole seasoning is fragrant and beautifully flavored, but its components are quite healthy and compatible with the most current diets. Here’s just a taste of what Creole seasoning can do for you.

Creole is More Than Food, Let’s Celebrate Creole Traditions!

Get yourself some Creole spices and join a centuries-old tradition. The Old World meeting the flavors and ingredients of the new continent. The Creole spirit goes beyond Louisiana; we’re all a combination of cultures, experiences and traditions, so let’s celebrate them through food! Browse through our curated list of Creole seasoning.

Sources:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/most-powerful-medicinal-plants
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Creole_cuisine
• https://www.neworleans.com/restaurants/where-to-eat/cajun-or-creole/