5 Spice Mix Recipes
As we come out of the Winter deep-freeze, I always find myself getting more and more excited for cooking. I don’t know if it’s the type of ingredients that come into season in Spring time, the fact that I can fire up the BBQ again or simply that I’ve been hibernating for the last 4 months and I’m finally starting to wake up, but either way, I’m bookmarking recipes and coming up with menu plans for my household!
One of the best places to start when coming up with new dishes at this time of year (or any time of year, really) is with flavor profiles. And depending on where the food or particular ingredients come from can often draw out new ideas for flavor combinations and taste experiences, opening up the door for real WOW moments!
For example, I know if I want something Italian, I’m going to make a real comfort food kind of dish, filled with fresh flavours like basil, bay and garlic. Whereas if I want something with a bit of kick like Mexican or Indian cuisine, I’m going to pair warm flavours together like cinnamon, smoked paprika and even all spice or cloves. Think of flavor profiles as a way to not only from which to begin your dish but also to take you on a trip around the world – without ever having to leave the comfort of your own kitchen.
Below are Spice Mix Recipes for 5 different regions of cuisine that can act as starting points for your next meal! Don’t be afraid to diversify, add your own flares to reflect your tastes or even combine some of them to create a whole new food innovation! The only limits to your cooking are in your imagination.
Italian Spice Mix Recipe for Italian Cuisine
1/2 cup dried Oregano
1/2 cup dried Basil
1/2 cup dried Marjoram
1/4 cup dried Rosemary
1/4 cup dried Thyme
2 Bay Leaves
2 tablespoons Garlic Powder
Blackened Spice Mix Recipe for Creole or Mexican Cuisine
1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 dried spicy chili, ground up
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons ground dried thyme
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons all spice
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Five Spice Mix Recipe for Asian Cuisine
3 whole Star Anise
1 tablespoon ground white Pepper
1 tablespoon ground Cloves
1 tablespoon ground Fennel
1 tablespoon ground Cinnamon
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (Pink or Himalayan would be good here)
Curry Spice Mix Recipe for Indian Cuisine
1/4 cup Paprika
1/8 cup Smoked Paprika
1/4 cup ground Cumin
1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds, ground up in a pestle & mortar or spice grinder
3 tablespoons Coriander, ground up in a pestle & mortar or spice grinder
2 Tablespoons Fenugreek powder or seeds
2 tablespoons Ground Mustard
1 tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 cup ground Turmeric
1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground Cloves
1/4 teaspoon all spice
Herbs de Provence for French Cuisine
Dried zest of 2 Lemons or oranges
1/2 cup chopped Thyme
1/4 cup chopped Marjoram
1 Tablespoon celery seed
2 tablespoons chopped Savory
2 tablespoons chopped Rosemary, stem discarded
1 teaspoon ground Fennel
Coarse sea salt to taste
What’s your go-to spice blend? Do you make it yourself of get it at the store? How do you integrate spice blends for marinades? Care to share your recipe? Meet us on the Facebook Page to share your tips, tricks and favorites!
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Very helpful.