Bland, uninspired meals are usually the result of just using salt and pepper to season with. Do you want to elevate your home cooking without spending a fortune on store-bought spice blends? Well, it’s actually not that hard to concoct your own spice mixes that will transform your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. You don’t have to be anything close to a seasoned chef either. Even kitchen newbies can make these spice mixes that are simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Have you ever wandered down the spice aisle of your favorite grocery store and marveled at the exotic-sounding blends? Or enjoyed how chefs seem to effortlessly infuse their dishes with a sense of adventure through their Mayan rub or spice mix inspired by Indo-China explorers?! These chefs, the real flavor artists, seem to have an innate understanding of how to balance spices. But you can too! Elegant homemade Garam Masalas and zingy, freshly prepared Cajun blends are within your skillset. Keep them in a spice rack with bespoke spice labels, and culinary creativity will be waiting for you each time you wander into the kitchen.
Ready to dive in and bring some excitement to your kitchen? Let’s get mixing with these five easy to make spice mixes.
1. Classic Italian Seasoning
Everything tastes “buono” in Italy. Capture the essence of Sorrento, Naples, Tuscany and more in your kitchen? This Classic Italian Seasoning mix will have you feeling like you’re dining al fresco in the Italian countryside, without ever leaving home. Now this is a mix of herbs that you can just as easily throw into a pasta sauce as you can onto a roast of your choice. This blend of aromatic herbs will be your new go-to. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
Simply mix all the dried herbs together in a small bowl and voilà – you have your Italian seasoning ready to take your dishes to new heights.
2. Kickin’ Cajun Seasoning
Are you craving a taste of the vibrant and festive cuisine of Louisiana? Look no further! This Kickin’ Cajun Seasoning will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans with just a dash or two. Whether you’re jazzing up some shrimp, spicing up your chicken, or adding a zesty touch to roasted veggies, this mix will deliver that signature Southern flair. Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste if you like it milder or spicier)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Mix all these spices together in a bowl, and you’ve got your very own homemade Cajun magic! Store it in an airtight jar, and every time you sprinkle some on your culinary creations, you’ll feel like a bona fide Creole chef.
3. Smoky BBQ Rub
Ready to bring your backyard BBQ to superstar status? This Smoky BBQ Rub is here to save the day—and your taste buds! It’s perfect for grilling and roasting, giving your meats that irresistible smoky flavor without having to fire up a smoker. Imagine taking a bite of succulent, smoky ribs or a juicy chicken breast with a charred crust that has your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds). Let’s grab those spices and get to it! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Mix all these ingredients in a bowl, and you’ve got yourself a BBQ rub that would make any pitmaster proud. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll be ready to elevate your grilling game at a moment’s notice.
4. Zesty Taco Seasoning
Who’s in the mood for tacos? (Spoiler: You are!) This Zesty Taco Seasoning is your ticket to a fiesta in your mouth, any night of the week. Forget those bland, store-bought packets and whip up a batch of this vibrant blend in mere minutes. Perfect for beef, chicken, or even veggie tacos, this mix will have you saying “Olé!” with every bite. Ready to turn taco night into the best night? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, and just like that, you’re ready to elevate your taco game! Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll always have the zestiness you crave at the ready.
5. Fragrant Garam Masala
Ready to venture into the aromatic world of Indian cuisine? Say hello to Fragrant Garam Masala, a spice blend that’s the heart and soul of many Indian dishes. Don’t let the exotic name intimidate you — making this blend is a breeze, and the rewards are oh-so-worth-it. Whether you’re cooking up a hearty curry, marinating meats, or simply want to jazz up some roasted veggies, this mix will transport you straight to the bustling markets of Mumbai. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of freshly ground spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
Mix all these spices together in a bowl, and just like that, you’ve got a homemade Garam Masala that packs a punch. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep those vibrant flavors locked in. With this blend in your spice arsenal, every meal can be a flavor-packed adventure waiting to happen.
With these five fantastic spice mixes in your culinary toolkit, you’re just a sprinkle away from turning ordinary meals into extraordinary feasts!