Cajun Style “Surf and Turf”

I love the combination of flavours in Cajun cooking and this mixture of spices and herbs creates a pretty authentic version. Cajun food comes primarily from New Orleans and takes it's unique style and flavour from all the different nationalities that have ruled the area over the years. There is a strong French influence but mixed with spice - delish! The steak and prawns really take the flavours well, and there are some other suggestions for using this mix after the recipe. This is an ultra quick dish that tastes as though you've taken a long time to prepare it - always good! And it's healthy! (You can use defrosted prawns) Ingredients for 2 good portions:

• 1/4 tsp each: cayenne, paprika, sea salt, mixed peppercorns, celery - all crushed together
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 300g feather steak sliced (as though for stroganoff)
• 6 large/king prawns/shrimp, raw & butterflied or cut in half
• 1/2 tsp each butter and coconut oil

Method:

• Heat the butter and oil until foaming.
• Add the steak, shrimp and the seasoning and stir to coat the steak & shrimp.
• Cook on high, turning often, for 3-5 minutes until cooked to taste.
• Serve with a mixed salad and baked sweet potato topped with sour cream
• Or with mashed celeriac and steamed vegetables (as pictured)

With this same spice and herb mix you can cook chicken or turkey - either cut in strips and quickly pan fried like the steak and prawn or you can coat chicken breasts or chicken thighs and bake them in the oven. Salmon also takes the cajun flavour well - either pan fried or baked in the oven. You could also create Cajun style kebabs - using chicken, onions, peppers, small tomatoes coated in the spice & herb mix. Or a vegetarian version would be good too just using the vegetables or replacing the chicken with tofu. Choose side dishes that act as a nice counterfoil to the spice - that's why I suggested either the salad and sweet potato or mashed celeriac and steamed veggies. Sweet potato and celeriac are healthier (and I think more tasty) alternatives to potato. Enjoy!