I always suggest batching your own spice blends for a number of reasons. If you don’t already have all the spices needed, it helps to build a properly stocked pantry. It is more economical and lets you breathe new life into spices that might be aging on the shelf. And lastly, it allows you to customize the mixture to your taste so that you always have exactly the flavor you are looking for instead of relying on some store-bought brand.
By: Jonathan Ammons
One thing that sets a homemade blend apart is to refrain from adding salt. By adding salt to food separately, you can be sure that your spice blends pack as much punch as possible without over-salting a dish. It also facilitates hand-salting throughout the cooking process to develop a richer, more nuanced flavor, something I highly recommend
during grilling.
It is best to use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to achieve the desired consistency, particularly when using a mix of whole and pre-ground ingredients. While grinding whole spices always ensures a more fragrant blend, it is still best to use up what you have on hand. I personally just use a separate coffee grinder for my spices with a label that reads “for spices only.”
Spice Blends for different cuisines
Taco Magic for everything that goes in a tortilla
Taco Magic is a copycat of Taco Bell seasoning. What makes its flavor so unique is the use of flour and bouillon in the seasoning, which gives an additional browning to meat while making it an umami bomb.
1 tsp dried onion flakes
1 tsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp beef bouillon granules
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp sugar
Baharat for kabobs of all kinds
Warm weather cultures tend to make the best flavors for grilled foods and the time-tested Middle Eastern staple of Baharat seasoning is perfect on beef, lamb and chicken.
4 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp coriander
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp green cardamom
1½ tsp allspice
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp bay leaf (or 4 leaves)
1 tsp smoked paprika
Mediterranean Seasoning for fish and vegetables
Pescatarians and the veg-leaning in the house will enjoy this blend, ideal for trout, salmon or any veggie on a stick.
2 Tbsp basil
2 Tbsp oregano
2 Tbsp thyme
1 Tbsp parsley flakes
1 Tbsp dried minced onion
1 Tbsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Photography by Forrest Clonts
