Cajun potatoes are a delicious appetizer or snack made by boiling and deep frying baby potatoes, which are then topped with a cajun spiced mayonnaise dressing. It is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavors and is loved by potato and spice lovers.
Inspiration behind the dish
The flavoring of this dish is inspired by the Cajun cuisine of Louisiana in the southern part of United States. The Cajun cuisine is known for its rich and bold flavors influenced by French, African, and Spanish cooking styles.
Barbeque Nation which is a popular restaurant chain in India, offers its own unique preparation for dish, which has now gained widespread popularity. Their crispy golden brown potatoes, topped with the creamy mayonnaise dressing are loved by all.
What is Cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning typically consists of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper powder, dried oregano, dried thyme and salt. Sometimes it can also consist of other ingredients like mustard powder, cumin powder etc.
You can purchase cajun spice mix from stores, however it is quite easy to make at home. If you do not want to buy all the individual spices, you can purchase packet of pizza or pasta seasoning which generally comes with most of these spices.
Some handy tips for preparing the potatoes
The recipe calls for the potatoes to be first boiled till they are soft. Then they are pressed to make flat discs. The flattened potatoes are then dipped & coated in a cornstarch paste, then deep fried till they are crispy and golden brown.
Some helpful tips for making the potatoes perfectly for the recipe :
- This recipe is typically made with baby potatoes. They give the best results since they cook evenly and are easier to handle. If you do not have baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes and cut them into 4 parts.
- I like to leave the skin on the potatoes since they get more crispy, however you can remove the skin after boiling if you want. Make sure to scrub the potatoes if you are leaving the skin on.
- Boil the potatoes for 2 whistles. They should be soft enough to flatten but not too soft that they can’t hold their shape.
- I like to add some salt to the water while boiling the potatoes, to season them all the way through.
- Flatten the potatoes soon after boiling while they are still warm, so that they can be shaped more easily. Once the potatoes are flattened and cool down, they will hold their shape.
- Use a bowl with a flat bottom and apply even pressure while flattening the potatoes. I don’t recommend doing with with your hands, since the potatoes are hot and harder to flatten evenly using hands.
- It is ok to have some cracks in the potatoes after flattening. If some small pieces of the potato break off you can just press them together gently and reshape the potatoes.
- The potatoes are coated in a seasoned cornstarch paste before frying. This helps to make the potatoes more crispy and enhances their taste. The paste should not be too thick otherwise it will overpower the taste and feel of potatoes. It should just coat the potatoes in a thin layer.
- When adding the potatoes to the oil, make sure it’s medium hot. Then don’t move the potatoes for 3-4 minutes till they are cooked on one side.
- Flip and repeat the same on the other side till they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrown the pan.
- Drain the potatoes on paper towels to remove any excess oil. This also helps them to stay crispy for longer period.
Ways to enhance the nutritional content
The combination of fried potatoes and the mayonnaise dressing makes this dish quite heavy, hence it should be enjoyed in moderation. However, here are few tips to make it more healthy –
- While the potatoes are typically deep fried, you can bake or air fry them instead for a healthier preparation.
- You can use healthier oils like olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil to prepare them. These oils are relatively rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good for heart.
- You can try to make the dish with sweet potatoes. They have a low glycemic index compared to normal potatoes and are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a good source of beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A.
- You can add some vegetables like chopped bell peppers, onions or broccoli with the seasoned potatoes. This adds more fiber & nutrition to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
The potatoes are best enjoyed right after frying, while they are still crispy. If you want to prepare in advance, you can boil and flatten out the potatoes and refrigerate them, then fry before serving.
These potatoes are a great idea for an appetizer for a party or gathering. At parties, Cajun Potatoes can be served in a bowl or platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
You can spoon the cajun mayonnaise dressing on the potatoes before serving and sprinkle some finely chopped onion, coriander leaves and paprika on the top. Or you can place the dressing and garnishes on the side for people to serve themselves.
You can serve Cajun Potatoes as part of a vegetable platter along with other roasted or grilled vegetables for a tasty and colorful experience.
To make BBQ nation style cajun potatoes at home follow the detailed step by step recipe with photos posted below.
See more related recipes like :
- Cheese Potato Tater Tots
- Potato Wedges
- Aloo Chaat
- Hara Bhara Kabab
- Avocado Fries
- Corn Cutlet
- Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Suggested recipe collections :
Cajun Potatoes Recipe | Barbeque Nation Style
Recipe Info
Video
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Ingredients For Cajun Potatoes Recipe | Barbeque Nation Style
For boiling the potatoes
- 20 Baby Potatoes
- 3 Cups Water
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
For the coating
- 1/4 Cup Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Maida (Plain Flour)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Red Chilli Flakes
- 1/2 Teaspoon Mixed Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Cup Water
For the cajun mayonnaise dressing
- 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Red Chilli Flakes
- 1 Teaspoon Mixed Italian Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 3 Tablespoons Milk
Others
- 1 Cup Cooking Oil for frying
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Onion for garnish
- 1 Tablespoon Coriander Leaves (Cilantro or Dhaniya) for garnish
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika for garnish
Step By Step Instructions for Cajun Potatoes Recipe | Barbeque Nation Style
Boiling the potatoes
- Add the potatoes to a pressure cooker along with water and salt, and pressure cook them for 2 whistles. Let all the steam come out before opening the cooker.20 Baby Potatoes, 3 Cups Water, 1 Teaspoon Salt
Preparing the coating for the potatoes
- While waiting for the potatoes to boil, you can prepare the coating. Take cornstarch and plain flour (maida) in a small mixing bowl.1/4 Cup Cornstarch, 2 Tablespoons Maida (Plain Flour)
- Add chilli flakes, mixed Italian seasoning, black pepper powder and salt.1/2 Teaspoon Dried Red Chilli Flakes, 1/2 Teaspoon Mixed Italian Seasoning, 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch), 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- Then add water and mix to make a smooth paste. The paste should be coating consistency, not too thick and not to runny.1/4 Cup Water
Preparing the cajun mayonnaise dressing
- Take mayonnaise in a mixing bowl.1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
- Add chilli flakes, mixed herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper powder, salt and lemon juice. Mix all ingredients.1 Teaspoon Dried Red Chilli Flakes, 1 Teaspoon Mixed Italian Seasoning, 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder, 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 Teaspoon Paprika, 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch), 1/2 Teaspoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
- Add some milk as needed to adjust the consistency of the dressing. It should be thick and flowy. Set the dressing aside.3 Tablespoons Milk
Frying the potatoes
- Take out the potatoes from the cooker, and while they are still warm, place them on a flat surface like a chopping board.
- Using a bowl with a flat base or your hands, gently press the potatoes into a flat disc.
- Flatten all the potatoes this way.
- Dip the flattened potatoes in the cornstarch coating prepared earlier.
- Place them in medium hot oil and let them cook for 3-4 minutes without moving. Then flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes as well till the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.1 Cup Cooking Oil
- Take out the potatoes from the oil and place them on an absorbent paper.
Assembling the potatoes
- Place the potatoes on a plate, then spoon the cajun mayonnaise dressing on top.
- Sprinkle some finely chopped onion, coriander leaves and paprika on top. Cajun potatoes are ready. Serve them hot.2 Tablespoons Chopped Onion, 1 Tablespoon Coriander Leaves (Cilantro or Dhaniya), 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
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