Blackened Salmon with Cilantro Pesto

Blackening spice is a most popular spice to use for preparing fish or even chicken or pork. This simple spice is so flavorful with big results. It is standard on any spice rack on the market and is also easy to prepare at home. I suggest making this spice at home so the salt intake can be kept under control by any cook. I have included a recipe for blackening spice below.

Ingredients:
Two 6 oz salmon fillets
4 tbs blackening spice mix
1/4 tsp salt
Cilantro pesto
2 cups pack, cilantro leaves
1/2 cup blanched almond
1/3 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic,
1 tsp salt and pepper
Blackening Cajun Spice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp white sugar
2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp smoke paprika
1/2 tsp dry thyme
1/2 tsp dry oregano

1 empty shaker with lid

Directions:
To make blackening spice:
Combine all the Cajun spice ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Transfer into the shaker and store in the cool place.
To make cilantro pesto:
Place all the pesto ingredients in a blender except salt and pepper. Turn machine on and let it run for 1 minute. Taste with salt and pepper when it is done. Refrigerate until needed.
To prepare fish:
Rub both sides of salmon fillets with the blackening spice with 1 tbs of olive oil for each salmon. In a cast-iron grilling pan over medium-heat, place the fish onto the hot grill. Sprinkle with a little salt, if needed. Grill 3 minutes on each side of fish. Remove from the pan and serve with cilantro pesto.