For Chef Kimm Free, cooking is more than a profession — it’s an act of love. With her business, Clean Cajun Cookin', she is redefining what it means to eat well in Mountain Brook and surrounding areas, offering delicious, Cajun-inspired meals that are as nourishing as they are flavorful.
A Louisiana native, Free grew up surrounded by the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. But as she watched her family struggle with health issues tied to their diets, she made it her mission to create a better way to enjoy the food she loved.
“I knew I didn’t want to give up Cajun food,” Free says. “So I had to figure out how to make it healthier while keeping all the flavor.”
That determination led her to launch Clean Cajun Cookin' in August, a personal chef service that provides nutritious, customized meal prep and catering with a Southern twist. From blackened salmon with asparagus to a spicy chicken sandwich that satisfies without the guilt, Free’s dishes are designed to fit seamlessly into busy lives while still offering the comforting flavors of home.
Personalized meals, thoughtful service
Free’s approach to meal prep is deeply personal. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all menu, she works with each client to craft meals that meet their specific dietary needs and preferences.
“I sit down with my clients and really get to know their tastes,” she explains. “What flavors they like, how spicy they want their food, even which vegetables they prefer. Then, I create a customized menu just for them.”
The process is simple but thorough. After an initial consultation, Free develops a menu of nearly 20 meal options tailored to her client’s preferences. Each week, they select their favorites, and Free handles the rest — shopping for high-quality, fresh ingredients, preparing meals in their home, packaging them and leaving the kitchen spotless. All that’s left for clients to do is heat up their food and enjoy.
For those focused on health and fitness, Free also offers macro-conscious meal planning.
“If you’re counting calories or tracking macros, I can work with you to make sure your meals align with your goals,” she says. “Eating healthy shouldn’t mean eating bland.”
Cajun flavors without guilt
While Clean Cajun Cookin' offers a variety of meals, the most popular dishes reflect Free’s Louisiana roots.
“People love my gumbo and my Alfredo,” she says with a laugh. “Those aren’t necessarily the healthiest, but you have to have a little balance in life.”
For those looking for something on the lighter side, her mixed veggie spaghetti squash with lamb (or turkey) meatballs is a favorite.
“It’s all about using fresh ingredients and making everything from scratch,” she adds. “That’s how you keep the flavors bold but the food clean.”
Her passion for clean cooking doesn’t stop at meal prep. Free also offers private cooking classes and catering for events, helping more people discover that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring.
A taste of Louisiana
Now two years into her time in Alabama, Free has found a warm welcome in the metro Birmingham community.
“People here remind me of home — friendly, welcoming, and they love good food,” she says. And for those who crave the authentic flavors of New Orleans but want to keep their meals light, Clean Cajun Cookin' offers the best of both worlds.
As an incentive, Free is currently offering a $100 discount on first-time meal prep services for clients who book now through August.
For more information or to book a consultation, visit cleancajuncookin.com or call 504-295-3109.
