Cajun Xacuti

Ingredients

In the Cajun adaptation of Xacuti, we incorporate Cajun spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme to give the dish its signature heat and flavor. Additionally, we use ingredients commonly found in Cajun cuisine, such as bell peppers and celery, to enhance the Cajun profile of the dish. The cooking technique remains similar, but the flavor profile is uniquely Cajun. We alse have the original recipe for Xacuti, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken or shrimp 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken or shrimp
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced bell pepper and celery to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the chicken or shrimp to the skillet and cook until it is browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Stir in the chopped tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
6. 6.
   Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through or the shrimp is pink and opaque.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure that the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Shrimp — If using shrimp, make sure to devein and remove the shells before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
• For an extra Cajun twist, serve the Cajun Xacuti with a side of cornbread.
• Feel free to add other Cajun ingredients like okra or andouille sausage for additional flavor and texture.
• Make a larger batch of Cajun seasoning and store it in an airtight container for future use.
• Experiment with different proteins such as tofu or fish to create variations of this fusion dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Cajun Xacuti hot over a bed of steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Cajun Xacuti in a deep serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through. Sprinkle some additional Cajun seasoning on top for an added visual appeal.