Combining dried spices has long been a great way to add flavor to dishes. Blends such as herbs de Provence, Cajun/Creole seasoning, Old Bay, lemon pepper, poultry seasoning, curry powder, allspice, and Italian seasoning have been around forever. More recently, stores have tried to make it easier for cooks by making more creative spice blends. Think Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Season or 21 Salute. You can also find spice mixes that taste like elote (Mexican street corn), Tajine (chile and lime), and dill pickles at nearly every grocery store.
It’s so tempting to buy these as a shortcut or because they seem fun and unique. However, very often these sit in the spice cabinet barely used or worse – expired. Spices can be pricey, so finding creative ways to use them can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary creations and save you from tossing them out.
Here are some great spice blends to try:
Garam Masala
- Ingredients: Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- Use: Indian curries, soups, lentils, and roasted meats.
Za’atar
- Ingredients: Thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.
- Use: Flatbreads, roasted vegetables, dips, and as a marinade for meats.
Ras el Hanout
- Ingredients: Cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, and turmeric.
- Use: Moroccan tagines, couscous, and roasted vegetables.
Chinese Five-Spice
- Ingredients: Star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.
- Use: Stir-fries, roasted meats, marinades, and desserts.
- Use: Steaks, burgers, chicken, and vegetables.
Tandoori Masala
- Ingredients: Coriander, cumin, garlic powder, ginger, paprika, and turmeric.
- Use: Tandoori chicken, grilled vegetables, and yogurt-based marinades.
Berbere
- Ingredients: Paprika, chili powder, fenugreek, ginger, coriander, and garlic.
- Use: Ethiopian stews, lentils, and roasted vegetables.
Beau Monde
- Ingredients: Celery Seed, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, salt, white or black pepper, Nutmeg or Cloves
- Use: Use as a rub for chicken, beef, pork, and seafood or on roasted or sauteed veggies, in soups, stews, dips spreads, and marinades.
So Many Uses for Spice Blends
Seasoning Meats and Proteins
- Dry Rubs: Mix spices like paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and brown sugar for BBQ rubs on ribs, chicken, or brisket. For a Middle Eastern flair, use za’atar on lamb or beef.
- Marinades: Blend spices with oil, vinegar, or yogurt for a marinade. For instance:
- Use garam masala with yogurt for a tandoori chicken marinade.
- Combine jerk seasoning with lime juice and olive oil for jerk chicken or shrimp.
- Crusts for Fish and Poultry: Coat salmon with a mix of dill, lemon zest, and smoked paprika, or try Cajun seasoning for blackened fish.
Enhancing Vegetables
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss root veggies like sweet potatoes or carrots in olive oil and a mix of cinnamon, cumin, and smoked paprika for a sweet-and-savory flavor.
- Grilled Vegetables: Use a blend of za’atar, olive oil, and lemon juice on eggplant, zucchini, or peppers before grilling.
- Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper for a rich and aromatic seasoning.
Flavorful Grains and Legumes
- Rice and Quinoa: Stir turmeric, cumin, and coriander into cooking water for fragrant golden rice. Add Cajun seasoning for a spiced jambalaya-style dish.
- Lentils and Beans: Use curry powder or ras el hanout to flavor lentil soups, or toss black beans with chili powder and oregano for tacos.
Sauces, Dips, and Spreads
- Homemade Sauces: Add Italian seasoning to tomato sauce, or mix Chinese five-spice into hoisin for a sweet and savory glaze.
- Dips: Blend taco seasoning with sour cream for an easy dip or mix harissa with Greek yogurt for a spicy, creamy accompaniment.
- Compound Butter: Incorporate herbs de Provence or Cajun seasoning into softened butter for spreading on bread or melting over steak.
Snacks and Appetizers
- Spiced Nuts and Popcorn:
- Toss nuts with maple syrup, cayenne, and cinnamon, then roast for a sweet-spicy treat.
- Sprinkle nutritional yeast and smoked paprika on popcorn for a cheesy, smoky flavor.
- Cheese Boards: Dust roasted almonds with chili powder and lime zest or add dukkah to olive oil for dipping bread.
Breakfast Ideas
- Eggs: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning or za’atar on fried or poached eggs.
- Oatmeal: Add pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, comforting breakfast.
- Smoothies: Boost flavor with a pinch of chai spice (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger) in fruit-based drinks.
Bread and Baking
- Flatbreads and Pitas: Top naan or pita with olive oil and za’atar before baking.
- Savory Muffins: Add Italian seasoning or dill to cheddar muffins.
- Desserts: Use warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice in cakes, cookies, and breads.
Soups and Stews
- Base Seasoning: Start soups with a mix of cumin, coriander, and paprika for warmth, or use herbes de Provence for delicate broths.
- Chili and Gumbos: Add chili powder, cayenne, and oregano to chili or a mix of Cajun spices to gumbo for a robust flavor.
Drinks and Cocktails
- Hot Beverages: Stir chai spice into tea or coffee for a warming drink. Try cinnamon and cloves in hot chocolate.
- Cocktails: Use smoked salt and chili powder to rim margarita glasses, or muddle mint with sugar and cardamom for a twist on a mojito.
Desserts with a Twist
- Spiced Ice Cream: Sprinkle cardamom or cinnamon over vanilla ice cream.
- Fruit Toppings: Dust fresh fruit with chili powder and lime zest for a refreshing, spicy-sweet treat.
Tips for Making Your Own Spice Blends
- Toast Spices: Toasting your spice blend in a dry pan enhances its aroma and flavor.
- Experiment with Ratios: Adjust quantities of sweet, salty, or hot elements to suit your taste.
- Store Properly: Keep spice blends in airtight containers away from light and heat to preserve their potency.
- Mix Small Batches: Make small amounts to maintain freshness and flexibility for future experiments.
I always have two of my own personal blends that I keep on hand: a mix of brown sugar, cracked black pepper, salt, cayenne, and ginger for bacon and pork belly and one for homemade onion dip comprised of onion powder, onion flakes, salt, and garlic powder.
I have a lot of spices!
