Another basic this week, but a necessary one!
I was going to post my Jambalaya recipe, when I realized I hadn’t posted my Cajun spice mix. Or my Mexican spice mix. Or My Ranch spice mix. You get the picture.
When I first started cooking, I noticed that some recipes include the exact spices you need. Thank you, very helpful. But there were some that just say something super vague like, “add two teaspoons of Italian spice.” What does that even mean? Some spices, like Basil, are often featured in Italian recipes. But some other spices, like Oregano, travel the culinary world and aren’t just considered one type of spice. So, am I supposed to just put a ton of basil in it? Is there a spice called ‘Italian Spice’? Halp!
Turns out the answer is yes and no. There are spices called “Italian Spices” and ‘Mexican Spices” and on and on we go, but they are just a mix of the individual spices I’ve already got in my pantry. And they are more expensive. Also they are smaller serving sizes. You could spend $5 on a specially blended spice mix, or you could use the spices you already have and specially blend them yourself. The special part is that you didn’t have to spend $5.
Bonus points because some of those mixes have added MSG or other additives and preservatives. If you make your own blend, you’re getting 100% spice and 100% comfort because you know what is going into your food.
Now, as a just slightly more experienced cook, I’ve got a few standard mixes that I rely on for the times when a blend is called for. I also tend to use these in the recipes that I create, since I am familiar with the favor profile they create. These blends are really just a jumping off point. As you start to determine which tastes you like and which you don’t, you can start cultivating a spice blend to your preferences. And then share it with me, because I’m always looking for a good cooking tip! ;)
Note: I use empty spice bottles to store these blends and label accordingly. They’ll also work in 8oz plastic or glass storage containers.
Mexican Spice
Good on: chicken, steak, fish
Use for: Enchiladas, nachos, tacos, tortilla soup
- 2 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/4 Cayenne Pepper (Sub Black Pepper if Cayenne has too much heat for you)
Italian Spice
Good on: chicken, sausage, pork
Use for: Meatballs, Lasagna, Spaghetti, Primavera
- 2 1/2 tsp Basil
- 2 1/2 tsp Parsley
- 2 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Rosemary
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Thyme
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Cajun Spice
Good on: chicken, sausage, ham, shrimp, fish
Use for: Jambalaya, Etouffee, Dirty Rice
- 2 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Ranch Spice
Good on: chicken, pork, potatoes
Use for: Dips, Roasted meats and vegetables
- 2 tsp Dill
- 2 tsp Parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp Onion
- 1 tsp Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Spike Spice
(An all purpose mix not really associated with one specific genre of cuisine)
Good on: chicken, pork, vegetables, rice, eggs
Use for: Chicken tenders, egg casseroles, pork roasts
- 2 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Garlic
- 1 tsp Dill
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Tarragon
- 1 tsp Basil
- 1 tsp Rosemary
- 1 tsp Marjoram
- 1/2 tsp Tumeric
- 1/2 tsp Onion
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Do you have a spice blend you swear by? Any spices too out there for you to try? Let me hear it in the comments!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!