Cajun-style Salmon and Sauteed Cabbage

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    I love cooking food found all over the world, or from different regions of the U.S. 

    Well, not insects or anything strange like that.  You know what I mean.  I hope.  !!!

    But I don't often serve something "Cajun" style to my family.  Don't know why...probably because I live in the Pacific Northwest, and not in Loo-si-ana!  :)

    When I cook Cajun style food, I don’t make it searingly spicy. I prefer a rich, smoky flavor with a touch of heat at the end.  You can adjust the heat to your taste by adding and then increasing cayenne pepper in this dish, but go slowly if you're not used to eating this way. 

    By the way, I'm a mouth wuss.   ☺    I don't add cayenne pepper, myself.  Ha!

    I can't handle things that are too spicy.  I usually cook more on the mild side of life.  But if you enjoy things hotter, by all means, kick it up a notch or two!

    This Cajun-style Salmon and Sauteed Cabbage with Parsley and Thyme are the kinds of quick and easy recipes that you could throw together quickly if you suddenly find that you're going to have dinner guests.  I love these kinds of foods.  Quick to prepare, and delicious enough to savor slowly over a meal and conversation with family and friends.  You can also add 3-4 Tbsp. of low fat cottage cheese as a side to your dinner plate.  Yum!

    Oh, and if you happen to be following the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle eating plan, this meal is a Fuel Pull, which means you are still eating wonderful foods while burning calories.  Love it! 

Cajun-style Salmon Fillets

• 1 lb. fresh or frozen (thawed) salmon fillets (four 4-oz. fillets)
  
• 1 tsp. celery salt
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1/8 tsp. salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• optional: cayenne pepper

    Combine seasonings in small bowl and mix well. 

    Spray nonstick 12" frying pan with a small amount of coconut oil spray or your oil spray of choice.  Heat pan to medium.  Sprinkle both sides of salmon fillets with seasoning mixture; rub gently so entire piece of salmon is covered in the rub. 

    When pan has heated well, cook seasoned salmon fillets for 3-5 minutes on both sides.  Check for doneness with a meat thermometer or with a fork to see if fish is flaky and tender.

Braised Cabbage with Parsley and Thyme

    Again, this is a super quick and easy recipe!  Slice up a head of cabbage, add a few seasonings, and saute in a frying pan or large pot! 

• 2 Tbsp. butter (or more, for an S meal according to Trim Healthy Mama; leave out if using as a Fuel Pull meal)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium head green cabbage, sliced thinly or shredded (about 2 pounds)
• 1/2 tsp. minced fresh or dried thyme leaves
• 2 Tbsp. minced fresh or 2 tsp. dried parsley leaves 
• salt, to taste
  
• ground black pepper, to taste

   
    Melt butter (optional) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add broth, and then the cabbage and thyme.  Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted but still bright green, 7-9 minutes.  (Turn heat down to medium if cabbage seems to be sticking to the bottom of the pan.)  Sprinkle cabbage with the parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve immediately.  Makes 4 large servings.

    Feel free to take a look at my Trim Healthy VISUAL SHOPPING LIST to get a better idea of some of the quicker food options available in your stores!

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