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| spice rub (Photo credit: Danielle Scott) |
At the request of Janet from Anvil Artifacts, I scoured the internet looking for interesting seasoning blends that I could modify into the healthiest versions to share with you. The following collection is pretty broad with some everyday staples as well as some excursion into the exotic. If you missed my in-depth explanation of salt and the role it should play in your diet, read: Salt: Friend or Foe. Trying different seasonings keeps your food interesting and exposes you to unusual tastes, get creative you may discover a new favorite! Check if your local grocery store sells herbs or seasonings in bulk if you would like to try an unfamiliar spice first or if the amount you would used it doesn’t justify buying a whole bottle. I know here in Colorado, Sprout’s farmers market sells spices in bulk. If you would like to make any of the blends salt free, do so and let people season their individual plates at the table with unrefined sea salt. Making your own seasoning blends is a great idea if you are trying to avoid food additives & MSG or if you would just like to control the amount of salt in your diet. It is always best to store your finished blends in a glass jar in a cool, dry, dark place and don’t forget to shake well before use. Enjoy!
Savory Salt-Free Seasoning
1 tbsp. cayenne1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 1/4 tsp. dried sage
1 tsp. marjoram (optional)
1 tsp. dried ground lemon peel
Mix well in a small bowl. Use as an all-purpose savory seasoning. Store for up to 4 months.
Steak Seasoning
Enough to season 6 steaks2 tbsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp. organic sugar (if you are going to use the entire amount right away, you could substitute honey or agave syrup)
1/2 tsp. thyme
Mix well in small bowl. Rub seasoning into steaks and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Grill to desired temperature. Remaining seasoning can be stored up to 1 month.
Classic Beau Monde
Use for poultry, fish, veggies, sauces1 tbsp. coarse ground, unrefined sea salt
1 tbsp. ground bay leaves
2 tbsp. ground white pepper
2 tbsp. ground black pepper
1 tbsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. celery seed
1 tbsp. ground cloves
Mix well in small bowl. Will store up to 4 months.
Cajun Seasoning
Use on ribs, chicken, blackened fish, shrimp, in sauces, or in blackened pasta3 tbsp. coarse ground, unrefined sea salt
1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 cup Hungarian paprika (or just use regular)
1 tbsp. onion powder
1 tbsp. coarse ground black pepper
1 tbsp. dried basil
1 tbsp. dried oregano
1 tbsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. cayenne, ground
2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. cumin, ground
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
Mix well. Store up to 3 months.
Seasoned Salt Blend
Blend in food processor or blender for even texture4 tbsp. coarse ground unrefined sea salt
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 1/4 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. dill
1/2 tsp. celery seed
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Mix well. Store for up to 3 month.
Poultry Seasoning
Blend in food processor for fine texture1 tsp. coarse ground unrefined sea salt
1 tsp. white pepper
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. ground bay leaves
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. sage
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
Mix well. Store up to 3 months.
Taco Seasoning
Enough to season one pound of meat (ground beef, buffalo, chicken, or turkey)1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. organic sugar
1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
Mix well. To use: Brown meat, drain oil. Add 1/3 cup water and seasoning cook 10 minutes over medium low, or until water is cooked out.
Espresso Cardamom Rub
Rub into chicken or pork chops1/4 cup finely ground espresso
1/4 cup organic granulated sugar
3 tbsp. coarse ground unrefined sea salt
3 tbsp. paprika
1 tbsp. cardamom
1 tbsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. garlic powder
Mix well. To use: Mix 2 tbsp. seasoning with 1 tbsp. grapeseed oil, rub into chicken or pork chops. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and then grill or cook as desired.
Chili Seasoning Mix
Adjust the crushed red pepper to suit your heat preference.1/4 cup whole wheat flour
4 tsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. crushed red pepper
1 tbsp. dried minced onion
1 tbsp. dried minced garlic
2 tsp. organic granulated sugar
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
1 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. oregano
Mix well. Store up to 3 months.
Ranch Seasoning Mix
Can be used to make ranch dressing1/2 cup dried buttermilk
1 tbsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. dried dill weed
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. dried minced onion
1 tsp. unrefined sea salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth. Store dry mix up to 3 months. To use: 1 tbsp. = envelope of ranch dressing mix
To make dressing: 1 tbsp. mix + 1 cup milk + 1 cup (mayo made with olive oil or sour cream or no-fat plain, Greek or regular, style yogurt.) Mix well, use within 1 week, keep refrigerated.
Garlic Seasoning Paste
Use for lobster, shrimp, fish, grilled steaks, chicken, veggies or sauces2 Heads of garlic, peeled
1/2 cup cold water
2 tbsp. unsalted, organic butter
In food processor or blender, puree garlic and water until smooth. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, cook garlic puree until water has evaporated and small holes form on the surface of the puree. Do not overcook or the garlic will become bitter. To use: add to dishes shortly before serving. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
References:
http://Homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blspice32.htm
http://simplemom.net/seasoning-blend-recipes/
Grill Everyday, by Diane Morgan
www.foodandwine.com/recipes/garlic-seasoning-ajo-preparado
http://food.com (chef: Angela Curtis)
That espresso cardamom rub sounds really good. Always looking for new taste treats.
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