Making your own spice blends is a great way to add flavor to your dishes while also saving money. In this post, I will share some of my favorite spice blend recipes and tips on how to use them in your cooking.
Here are two spice blend recipes that you can try:
- Cajun Spice Blend: This blend is perfect for adding a little bit of heat to your dishes. To make it, mix together 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Use this blend to season chicken, fish, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend is great for adding flavor to pasta dishes, soups, and stews. To make it, mix together 2 tablespoons of dried basil, 2 tablespoons of dried oregano, 2 tablespoons of dried parsley, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Use this blend to season tomato sauce, meatballs, or roasted vegetables.
- Taco Seasoning: This blend is perfect for adding a Mexican twist to your dishes. To make it, mix together 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Use this blend to season ground beef, chicken, or vegetables for tacos, burritos, or fajitas.
- Curry Powder: This blend is great for adding flavor to Indian dishes. To make it, mix together 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric, 1/2 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1/2 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 tablespoon of ground cardamom, 1/2 tablespoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper. Use this blend to season chicken, vegetables, or lentils for curries or stews.
- Chinese Five Spice: This blend is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is perfect for adding a sweet and savory flavor to your dishes. To make it, mix together 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of ground cloves, 1 tablespoon of ground fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon of ground star anise, and 1 tablespoon of ground Szechuan peppercorns. Use this blend to season meats, vegetables, or rice dishes.
- Za’atar: This Middle Eastern spice blend is great for adding a nutty and tangy flavor to your dishes. To make it, mix together 2 tablespoons of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon of sumac, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use this blend to season meats, vegetables, or bread.
- Garam Masala: This Indian spice blend is perfect for adding warmth and depth to your dishes. To make it, mix together 2 tablespoons of ground cumin, 2 tablespoons of ground coriander, 2 tablespoons of ground cardamom, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon of ground cloves. Use this blend to season meats, vegetables, or rice dishes.
I hope you enjoy trying out these spice blends in your cooking!