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Herb and Spice Blends DIY

Elevate Your Cooking with Freshly Made Mixtures

The world of herb and spice blends is vast and exciting, offering endless possibilities for enhancing flavors in various dishes. While store-bought mixes are convenient, many contain preservatives, artificial flavor enhancers, or excessive salt. By making your own blends at home, you can tailor the proportions to suit your taste preferences, avoid unwanted additives, and save money. Plus, creating your own mixtures allows for flexibility to accommodate seasonal availability of fresh herbs and spices.

Basic Herb Blends​

Making herb blends is a simple process that involves combining dried or fresh herbs in desired proportions. Here are three basic blends:

Italian Blend​

  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste

Combine the ingredients and store them in an airtight container.

Mexican Blend​

  • 2 tablespoons dried cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste

Mix the spices and herbs together for a flavorful blend perfect for tacos and other Mexican dishes.

Indian Blend (Garam Masala)​

  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Salt, to taste

Roast the coriander and cumin seeds over low heat until fragrant. Grind them into a fine powder with the other spices.

Spice Blends​

Similar to herb blends, spice mixes allow for creativity in combining various seasonings based on your favorite cuisines. Here are three popular spice blends:

Cajun Blend​

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Combine the spices for a bold and spicy mix perfect for fried foods.

Chinese Five-Spice Blend​

  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon ground fennel seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Mix the spices together for an aromatic blend commonly used in stir-fries and braises.

Curry Powder Blend​

  • 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Combine the spices for a flavorful base of various curry dishes.

Tips and Variations​

  • Adjust the proportions based on personal preferences or the specific recipe being used.
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for more vibrant flavors. However, keep in mind that using fresh herbs will result in a shorter shelf life.
  • For added depth, incorporate aromatics such as onions, ginger, or garlic when making blends.
  • Store your custom blends in airtight containers to preserve the flavors and aroma.

By creating your own herb and spice blends at home, you can unlock new flavor dimensions and add a personal touch to various recipes. Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your signature blends and enjoy the versatility that comes with them.