Italian Seasoning
Pizza Flavor Spices and Herb Blend
This tasty seasoning can be blended with canned tomato puree to create a pizza sauce or one can simmer this seasoning with tomatoes and with grated cheese can create a marinara sauce.
Yields: Makes five tablespoons seasoning mix
Ingredients 4 tsp of tomato instant bouillon granules 2 1⁄2 tsp of minced garlic flakes 1 1⁄2 tsp of dried basil 1 1⁄2 tsp of minced onion flakes 1 1⁄2 tsp of dried oregano 1 1⁄2 tsp of dried rosemary 3⁄4 tsp of fennel seed 3⁄4 tsp of dried thyme 1⁄4 tsp of red pepper flakes 1 tsp of cornstarch 1⁄2 tsp of ground black pepper 1 tsp of cornstarch (for later use)
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients except the last two in a spice mill or coffee grinder.
Process it until the mixture is finely ground.
Take the last two ingredients – black pepper and cornstarch and add to the mixture.
Seal the container and shake the mixture well. Store in a cool and dry place.
Italian Seasoning Salt
This recipe is a wonderful one to create your own salt and use it to flavor so many dishes. The balance of flavors that are found in this salt is worth making and storing for future use.
Yields: 2/3 cup
Ingredients 3 tbsp of garlic powder 3 tbsp of salt 1 tbsp of onion powder 1 tbsp of dried oregano 1 tbsp of dried basil 1 tsp of dried rosemary, crushed 1⁄2 tsp of black pepper 1⁄4 tsp of cayenne
Method of Preparation: In a jar mix together all the ingredients. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar well for all the ingredients to combine.
Italian Style Sausage (Ground Pork) Seasoning
This mixture is good for two pounds of pork where the casings have been removed and can be stored overnight to blend the flavors well. If you want the mixture to be spicier, add one to two teaspoons of crushed chili flakes.
Yields: Good for two pounds of pork
Ingredients 1 tsp of black pepper 2 tsp of dried parsley 1 1⁄2 tsp of dried Italian seasoning 1 tsp of garlic powder 1⁄8 tsp of dried red pepper flakes 3⁄4 tsp of crushed dried fennel seeds 1⁄2 tsp of paprika 1 tsp of minced dried onion 2 tsp of salt
Method of Preparation: Mix all the ingredients together. Store it overnight to let the flavors blend.
Italian Seasoning Dressing Dry Mix
This all seasoning dry mix is good in pasta salads, spaghetti sauce, or simply sprinkled on fresh, red tomatoes! You can omit salt if you like.
Yields: Makes eight tablespoons
Ingredients 1 1⁄2 tsp of garlic powder 1 tbsp of onion powder 2 tbsp of oregano leaves 1 tbsp of dried parsley 1 tbsp of granulated sugar 2 tbsp of salt 1 tsp of black pepper 1 tsp of ground basil 1⁄4 tsp of ground thyme 1⁄2 tsp of dried celery leaves
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients and store the mixture in an airtight container.
Italian Parmesan Seasoning Mix
This mix can be used in a variety of dishes like pasta, in flour for breading the chicken, in salads, in popcorns and is a delicious mixture to baste hot baked bread with!
Yields: Makes two cups
Ingredients 8 ounces of grated parmesan cheese 3 tbsp of dried Italian seasoning 3 tbsp of dried parsley flakes 1 tbsp of garlic powder 1⁄2 tsp of ground red pepper
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients and store them in an airtight container or in the refrigerator.
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
This seasoning can be made with day-old bread and can be used as stuffing for chicken, peppers, mushrooms, or as a binder for meatballs and meatloaf or can also be used as a coating for shrimp, fish, vegetables, and chicken.
Yields: Makes two cups
Ingredients 1 French bread cubed 1⁄2 tsp of salt 3⁄4 tsp of parsley flakes 3⁄4 tsp of oregano 3⁄4 tsp of dried basil 1⁄4 tsp of dried rosemary 1⁄4 tsp of garlic powder 1⁄4 tsp of onion powder 1⁄4 tsp of sugar 1⁄2 cup of parmesan cheese Optional: 1⁄4 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes
Method of Preparation: Place the bread in a warm oven if the bread is soft so that it dries out or slightly toast the bread. In a food processor, process the bread and add the rest of the ingredients. Store this mixture in ziplock storage bags.
Other European Seasoning
Herbes De Provence
This French Provencal mix is hard to find in stores and most of these mixes have lavender and fennel which haven’t been used in this recipe.
Yields: Makes 1/4 cup
Ingredients 1 tsp of dried basil 1 tsp of dried marjoram 1 tsp of dried oregano 1 tbsp of dried rosemary 1 tbsp of dried savory 1 tsp of dried thyme
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients and keep in an airtight container.
French Four Spice Mix
This mix rarely contains four spices only and can go up to six ingredients. If you want to use this mixture for sweet cooking, then you can go for allspice berries instead of white peppercorns.
Yields: Makes one cup
Ingredients 1 tbsp of white peppercorns 1 small whole nutmeg 10 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 tsp of ground ginger
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients in a spice mill and evenly ground them. Store the mixture in a dry place.
Sel Fou- French Style Seasoning Salt
This is a seasoning just adds a hint of the flavor of spices sued and does not overpower a dish. This seasoning can be used in salads, pasta, soups, pies, and hot chips! The cornflour and icing sugar used in this recipe are used as stabilizing agents in this salt.
Yields: Makes a jar
Ingredients 1/3 cup of fine sea salt 1 tbsp of onion salt 1 tbsp of garlic granules 1 tbsp of dried thyme 1 tbsp of dried marjoram 1 tbsp of dried ground horseradish 1⁄2 tsp of icing sugar 1⁄2 tsp of cornflour Method of Preparation Mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl. Store the salt in a dry container.
Bouquet Garni
This recipe is a perfect gift to give away to your friends and family and the use of tarragon leaves adds flavor to this recipe. This is used for seasoning stews and the bouquet is added in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Yields: Makes twelve sachets
Ingredients 24 sprigs of fresh parsley 12 bay leaves, divided 1 1⁄2 tsp of dried whole thyme 1 1⁄2 tsp of dried tarragon leaves unbleached muslin cheesecloth kite string canning jar
Method of Preparation: To make a single bouquet, wrap in a 6 inch square of cheesecloth 2 parsley twigs, 1/8 tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf and 1/8 tsp of tarragon leaves. Using a kite string, tie into a bag. Take a wide mouth jar with a clamped lid and pack the herb bouquets in it.
Spanish Rub
This lovely spice mix can be used in a number of savory dishes and goes great with chicken and salmon. It can also be a great gift to be given to food enthusiasts.
Yields: Makes about a cup
Ingredients 6 tbsp of smoked paprika 3 tbsp of regular paprika 3 tbsp of dried cilantro 3 tbsp of coarse salt 1 tbsp of ground dried lemon peel 1 1/2 tsp of freshly ground pepper
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients and store it in a jar.
Indian Seasoning
Tandoori Spice Mix
This mix is a great addition during the barbeque season and this mix can be used in a variety of dishes like chicken, lamb, beef and even shrimp.
Yields: Makes 2/3 cup
Ingredients 3 tbsp of ground ginger 3 tbsp of coriander 1 tbsp of ground cumin 1 tbsp of paprika 1 tbsp of pepper 2 tsp of salt 1 1⁄2 tsp of turmeric 1 1⁄2 tsp of ground nutmeg 1 1⁄2 tsp of ground cloves 1 1⁄2 tsp of cinnamon
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients and store it in a container.
Garam Masala Mix
The garam masala recipe varies from region to region. This is a basic garam masala recipe that is easy and quick to make.
Yields: Makes three tablespoons
Ingredients 1 tbsp of cardamom seed 1-inch stick of cinnamon bark 1 tsp of whole cumin seed 1 tsp of whole cloves 1 tsp of whole black peppercorn 1⁄4 tsp of ground nutmeg
Method of Preparation: Place all the ingredients in an electric coffee maker and grind till it turns to powder.
Garam Masala Kashmiri Spice Blend
This version of garam masala is slightly longer in its procedure but is a hot and spicy mix which is normally used towards the end of cooking a dish.
Yields: Makes a small jar
Ingredients 30 green cardamom pods, seeds were taken from 15 whole cloves 4 cinnamon sticks 5 tbsp of cumin seeds 2 tbsp of coriander seeds 1 tbsp of fennel seed 2 tsp of black peppercorns 1⁄2 tsp of fenugreek seeds 1⁄2whole nutmeg, broken into small pieces
Method of Preparation: Break the nutmeg into even smaller pieces. Now crush the cardamom seeds using a rolling pin. Take a large frying pan and put all the ingredients in it and stir over low heat. Once the aroma is released, remove the pan from the heat. Take out a small quantity first and blend the mixture in an electric blender. Let the mixture cool down and then store it.
Panch Phoron- The Five Seed Spice Mixture
This is a spice mix from Bengal and roasted meat can be coated with this or it can be used to sprinkle on Indian bread, vegetables especially potatoes, cauliflower and eggplant.
Yields: Makes 3/4 cup
Ingredients 2 tbsp of black mustard seeds 2 tbsp of whole nigella seeds 2 tbsp of cumin seeds 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds 2 tbsp of fennel seeds
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients and grind them coarsely.
Indian Red Gun Powder
Although the name sounds strange it is actually called by this name in some parts of India and is a very spicy and hot mixture. It is very tasty and very addictive!
Yields: Makes one serving
Ingredients 1 tsp of vegetable oil 2 tbsp of Bengal gram. Also called channa dal 2 tbsp of white gram beans. Also called urad dal. 15 small dry red chili 1⁄2 tsp of asafetida powder 2 tbsp of sesame seeds 1⁄2 tsp of salt 1 1⁄2 tbsp of brown sugar
Method of Preparation: Take a deep skillet and heat oil over medium heat for three minutes. Now add the two dals and chilies. Keep stirring till the dals change their color. Now stir in the sesame seeds and asafetida. Continue to fry the mixture till a lovely roasted aroma comes out. Now let the mixture cool in a plate. Add salt and sugar to the mixture. Take a coffee grinder and grind the mixture to powder. The powder should have a grainy texture.
Sambar Podi
Podi means powder in English and this is a spice from Southern India. This later evolved into British style curry powder
Yields: Makes 2/3 cup
Ingredients 3 tbsp of ground coriander 3 tbsp of chickpea 1 tbsp of ground cumin 1 1⁄2 tsp of fresh coarse ground black pepper 1 tsp of salt 1 tsp of ground fenugreek 1 tsp of amchur powder 1 tsp of dry mustard 1 tsp of hot red chili powder 1⁄2 tsp of ground cinnamon 1⁄2 tsp of turmeric 8 crumbled dried curry leaves 1⁄4 tsp of asafetida powder
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients and grind them in a coffee grinder. Store in a cool and dry place.
Indian Spice Mix
This spice mix goes well as a dressing for various dishes. It has a nice spicy and sweet flavor to it and the combination of different spices makes it a well-balanced spice mix.
Yields: Makes seven tablespoons
Ingredients 2 tbsp of curry 2 tbsp of cumin 2 tsp of turmeric 2 tsp of ground coriander 1 tsp of ground ginger 1⁄2 tsp of ground cardamom 1⁄2 tsp of ground cinnamon
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the ingredients and store it in a jar for future use.
Asian Seasonings
Gomashi (Toasted Sesame Salt)
This is a macrobiotic seasoning and is said to reduce acidity in the blood. It improves indigestion and is believed to heal all blood-related diseases.
Yields: Makes two cups
Ingredients 2 cups of unhulled brown sesame seeds 3 tbsp of sea salt
Method of Preparation: Take a heavy skillet and toast the sea salt until it turns grey. Remove it from the skillet and keep it aside. Now toast the sesame seeds till they turn brown and start popping. Now put the salt and the seeds in a blender and they should only be 95% crushed. Do not refrigerate but keep it in a jar in a cool and dry place.
Xinjiang Spice Mix
This spice mix can be used in sautés, barbecues, roasts or whatever you feel like adding it to. Since it’s a very fragrant mixture it will is a delight to one’s senses.
Yields: Makes six to ten servings
Ingredients 1⁄4 cup of cumin seeds 2 tbsp of dried Szechuan chili flakes 2 tbsp of black pepper 1 tbsp of Szechuan peppercorns 1 tbsp of ground ginger powder 1 tbsp of garlic powder 1 1⁄2 tsp of chili powder 1 1⁄2 tsp of sea salt
Method of Preparation: Toast cumin seeds and Sichuan peppercorns for some time. Grind the cumin seeds, black pepper, chili flakes and the peppercorns in a spice grinder. Add the remaining ingredients to the mixture and store it.
Chinese Five- Spice Powder
Although this mixture is available in the markets, making it at home adds more flavor and fragrance to this lovely spice mixture. It adds a touch of home to your dish.
Yields: Makes two tablespoons
Ingredients 1 tsp of ground cinnamon 1 tsp of ground cloves 1 tsp of fennel seed, toasted and ground 1 tsp of ground star anise 1 tsp of Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the spices and store them in a jar.
African Seasoning
North African Ras El Hanout Spice Mix
The original recipe uses around 50 spices but in this recipe, we have incorporated the main traditional spices which are easily and readily available.
Yields: Makes one jar
Ingredients 3 tsp of ground cinnamon 3 tsp of ground cumin 3 tsp of ground turmeric 2 tsp of ground coriander 2 tsp of ground ginger 2 tsp of ground cardamom 1 tsp of ground nutmeg 1 tsp of ground cloves 1 tsp of mace 1 tsp of cayenne pepper 1 tsp of garlic powder 1 tsp of ground celery seed 1 tsp of ground black pepper 2 tsp of cornflour
Method of Preparation: Mix all the spices together and store them in a container.
South African Spice Mixture
This spice mix is a mixture of sweet and pungent spices but creates a wonderful mixture. It is mildly hot and can be used in all types of curries.
Yields: Makes one large jar
Ingredients 1 tbsp of clove 1⁄2 cup of coriander seed 1 tbsp of fennel seed 1 tbsp of black mustard seeds 3 tbsp of fenugreek seeds 2 tbsp of black peppercorns 3 small dried hot red chilies 3 tbsp of cumin seeds 1⁄4 cup of ground cardamom 1⁄4 cup of ground turmeric 1 tbsp of ground ginger 2 curry leaves, chopped into small pieces
Method of Preparation: In a frying pan roast all the seeds for a minute or two. Take a food processor and finely ground the mixture. Now add the remaining spices and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
Dukka- Egyptian Mix
This mixture of spices and nuts can be taken as a snack or an appetizer and you can drizzle olive oil over the mixture and have it.
Yields: Makes one cup
Ingredients 1 cup of almonds or hazelnuts 1⁄3 cup of whole coriander seed 3 tbsp of cumin seeds 1 tsp of kosher salt or sea salt 2 tbsp of sumac 1⁄4 cup of toasted sesame seeds
Method of Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and toast the almonds on a baking sheet for five to seven minutes. Take a large skillet and toast coriander, salt, and cumin for three minutes over low heat. Mix together all the ingredients except the sesame seeds and process them in a food processor. Once the mixture is done, ass the sesame seeds and store in an airtight container.
African Curry Powder This mixture can be used in chicken or beef. This homemade spice mix tastes much better than the store brought mixes.
Yields: Makes one cup
Ingredients 6 tsp of ground ginger 6 tsp of dried garlic 4 tbsp of ground coriander 4 tbsp of ground cumin 4 tbsp of ground turmeric 2 tsp of cayenne 2 tsp of hot chili powder
Method of Preparation: Mix together all the spices and store it in a cool and dry place.
Berbere Spice Mix This Ethiopian spice mix can be used to season chicken, grilled fish or meat while cooking and can be used to sprinkle over vegetables and meat.
Yields: Makes 1/3 cup
Ingredients 8 tsp of chile powder or 2 tbsp of cayenne pepper 5 tsp of sweet paprika 1 tbsp of salt 1 tsp of ground coriander 1⁄2 tsp of ground ginger 3⁄8 tsp of ground cardamom 3⁄8 tsp of ground fenugreek 1⁄4 tsp of ground nutmeg 1⁄4 tsp of ground allspice 1⁄8 tsp of ground cloves
Method of Preparation: Mix all the ingredients and store them in a dry and cool place.
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