In living this Paleo Whole30 (and sometimes Keto) lifestyle, my husband and I enjoy turkey thighs on a regular basis.  So, I’m always hunting for new ways to enjoy this poultry.  I decided to my Cajun spice mix on the thighs.  The mix is both salt-free and sugar-free.  We watch our sodium regularly so we are always aware of our real weight. 

You can use this Cajun spice mix in so many ways.  Use the seasoning on fish (blackened salmon) and seafood, chicken, beef, turkey, pork, and vegetables.  It tastes fabulous in soups and stews, in breakfast eggs, on sweet potato fries, like a chili seasoning, in casseroles, on tacos, and more.  Use this seasoning in your Paleo compliant ketchup to glaze meatloaf or as a BBQ sauce for chicken and ribs.

RECIPE NUTRITIONAL VALUE:  It’s important to include sodium in your diet.  The daily recommended amount is between 1500 to 2300 mg per day.   If your sodium intake is too low you may increase your risk of insulin resistance, heart failure, increase the risk of raising LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, and a higher risk of hyponatremia (low blood levels of sodium).   That said, most people have far too much sodium in their diet.  It’s vital to maintain the ideal amount.  Moving to the side of lower (not absent) sodium has benefits. 

A low sodium lifestyle offers a plethora of health benefits, such as helping to:

·      lower blood pressure

·      reduce the risk of a heart attack

·      lower LDL cholesterol

·      prevent congestive heart failure

·      decrease the risk of kidney damage

·      prevent the risk of a stroke

·      lessen the risk of a brain aneurysm

·      protect vision 

·      reduce the risk of diabetes

·      improve memory

·      lower the risk of dementia

·      reduce the hardening and thickening of arteries

·      reduce bloating and swelling

·      reduce salt cravings

·      decrease headaches

·      build stronger bones

·      reduce kidney stones

·      allow the heart to pump effectively

·      lower the risk of stomach cancer

RECIPE TASTE PROFILE: This seasoning mix has predominant heat and spice from the cayenne and chili flakes, along with the flavour from the spices.  Some herbal tones from the oregano and thyme, along with a depth of flavour from the garlic and onion powders.

DIRTY-BIRDY WINE PARTNER (For those maintaining a Paleo, Whole30, or Keto lifestyle):  The predominant flavour sensation of this spice mix is heat and spiciness due to the cayenne and chili flakes.  For this reason, you need a wine with plenty of sweetness to match.  The more heat and spice, the greater the sweetness is required in the wine.  Choose a late-harvest white, such as late-harvest Riesling or late-harvest Gewurztraminer as a match.

RECIPE: