How to Make Cheap and Easy Homemade Seasoning Blends
Creating your own homemade seasoning blends is a fantastic way to add unique flavors to your dishes. Homemade blends not only taste fresher but also allow you to customize flavors to your liking and control the ingredients, especially useful for those with dietary restrictions. In this article, we'll explore some easy and versatile seasoning blends that you can make at home.
1. Italian Seasoning Blend
Ingredients: Dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sage.
Use Cases: Perfect for pasta sauces, grilled vegetables, or as a seasoning for chicken and fish.
2. Taco Seasoning Blend
Ingredients: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Use Cases: Ideal for taco fillings, fajitas, and seasoning for roasted vegetables or beans.
3. Cajun Seasoning Blend
Ingredients: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
Use Cases: Great for jambalaya, gumbo, grilling meats, or adding a kick to popcorn.
4. Curry Powder Blend
Ingredients: Ground coriander, turmeric, cumin, fenugreek, mustard powder, chili powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Use Cases: Use in traditional curry dishes, soups, or to spice up roasted vegetables.
5. Herbes de Provence
Ingredients: Dried thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, marjoram, oregano, and lavender flowers.
Use Cases: Excellent for seasoning roasted meats, stews, and incorporated into bread dough.
6. Greek Seasoning Blend
Ingredients: Dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried thyme, black pepper, parsley, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Use Cases: Enhances Greek salads, grilled meats, and traditional Greek dishes like moussaka or souvlaki.
7. BBQ Rub
Ingredients: Brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Use Cases: Ideal for dry rubs on ribs, chicken, or brisket, and even as a seasoning for homemade BBQ sauce.
8. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
Use Cases: Perfect for pumpkin pies, lattes, and spiced fall desserts.
9. Chinese Five Spice
Ingredients: Ground star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds.
Use Cases: Adds a unique flavor to stir-fries, roasted meats, and marinades.
10. Za'atar
Ingredients: Sesame seeds, sumac, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and dried oregano.
Use Cases: Sprinkle over flatbread, mix with olive oil for a dip, or use as a rub for grilled meats.
Creating these blends is as simple as mixing the listed ingredients. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences. Store them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. With these homemade blends, you're ready to elevate the flavors in your cooking with ease and creativity.