Store-bought, salt-heavy seasoning mixes may save time now but mean more time in the doctor's office later.
Ever wonder how to make your own seasonings? Homemade seasoning mixes, such as salt-free seasoning, elevate any dish without the need for artificial ingredients.
Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to make your own seasoning mixes and blends!
Why Make Homemade Seasoning Mix?
Homemade seasoning mix recipes do not just deliver on flavor. Scientists are continually discovering the added benefits of spices and herbs.
For example, rosemary is a spice that has uses in both culinary and medicinal traditions. It has been researched for the following potential health benefits and properties:
• Antitumor
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
• Cognitive health
Each seasoning mix ingredient has its own unique properties. Working with a dietitian can help individuals understand what seasonings and spices are best for their health goals.
How To Make Seasoning Mix
There are multiple methods for mixing homemade spice blends. Some methods take just minutes to mix while others are more hands-on.
One method for mixing spices and herbs together is called mortar and pestle. This kitchen tool works better than many electric appliances. It does so by releasing the natural oils in the herbs and seasonings.
The small, stone mortar and pestle works perfectly for grinding spices. User-friendly and inexpensive, it makes a great addition to any kitchen. It helps increase the flavor of the following healthy dips and spreads:
• Guacamole
• Fresh tomato salsa
• Pastes
• Fresh herb and olive oil pesto
• Rubs and spices
What Spices Can Be Mixed Together?
Garlic is one of the most popular spices, and for a good reason. It gets its stellar reputation from both tasting great on its own and playing well with others.
The following seasoning mix list can help guide tasty spice pairings.
Basil pairs well with:
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Mint
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Thyme
Cilantro pairs well with:
• Basil
• Chili
• Chives
• Dill
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Lemon grass
• Mint
• Parsley
Cinnamon pairs well with:
• Cloves
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Turmeric
Ginger pairs well with:
• Basil
• Cilantro
• Coconut
• Garlic
• Lime
• Lemon grass
• Mint
• Scallions
• Turmeric
Mint pairs well with:
• Basil
• Clove
• Cumin
• Dill
• Ginger
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Thyme
Oregano pairs well with:
• Basil
• Cumin
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme
Parsley pairs well with:
• Basil
• Chives
• Garlic
• Mint
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Tarragon
Turmeric pairs well with:
• Cilantro
• Cloves
• Coconut
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Curry leaf
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Lemon grass
Seasoning Mix Tips & Tricks
Homemade seasoning mixes can be a great way to use spices. The following tips can help make the best use of homemade seasoning blends.
Use Up Spices in Seasoning Mix
Most ground varieties decline in flavor within a year. Making seasoning mixes means saving time, money, and still delivering lots of flavors.
Buy Whole Spices For Seasoning Blends
Whole spices are often fresher and less expensive than ground varieties. Be sure to store them away from light, heat, or heating elements such as a stove.
Instead of prepping the whole spice ahead of time, grate or grind the portion that is needed immediately.
Toast Spices For Seasoning Mixes
Toasting spices and herbs releases fragrant compounds. Do this before grinding to ensure the aromatics are properly released. All that is needed is a small amount of the spice and low to medium heat.
Let Seasoning Blends Bloom
Similar to many individual spices, spice blends can also be bloomed. "Blooming" is a cooking technique where ground spices are added to fat (i.e. oil, butter) and then heated. This intensifies their flavor and produces lovely aromatic properties.
Seasoning Mix List
Salt might be the most popular way to flavor a meal quickly. But plenty of other salt-free seasoning recipes uniquely deliver in the spice department such as pumpkin pie spice, taco seasoning, poultry seasoning, and more!
Below lists ideas for simple seasoning mixes that can be used instantly or stored in an airtight container for later.
Homemade Seasoning for Steak or Beef
• Lemon zest, rosemary, black pepper
• Thyme, cloves, orange zest, black pepper
• Garlic, herbs, black pepper
• Mashed green peppercorns, onion powder, marjoram
Salt-Free Seasoning Blend for Chicken and Poultry
• Ginger, orange zest, sage
• Marjoram, thyme
• Tarragon, shallots, lemon zest
• Basil, garlic
Seasoning Mix for Salmon or Fish
• Dill, lemon zest, mustard
• Lemon zest, celery salt, black pepper
• fennel, mustard, bay leaf, lemon zest
Homemade Seasoning for Noodles, Beans, Rice, and Grains
• Chili, cumin, oregano, garlic
• Saffron, garlic, parsley
• Mint, parsley, lemon zest, carraway
Unexpectedly Delicious Spice Mix Pairings
For a low sodium chili seasoning mix, try cinnamon and chili powder. Both provide distinct flavors that make salt a spice of the past.
Another delicious homemade seasoning for chicken or for potatoes is smoked paprika and garlic powder. Ginger and red pepper make another versatile pair. Combine them together to create a simple seasoning mix for shrimp or for beef stir-fry.
The Bottom Line on Homemade Seasoning Blends
Seasoning mixes are versatile and very inexpensive ways to elevate dishes. Combining two or more spices and herbs has powerful potential.
Replace table salt with flavorful and fragrant homemade seasoning mixes!
References:
Haas S. Mortar and Pestle: Old School Kitchen Tool. Foodandnutrition.org. Published June 26, 2013. https://foodandnutrition.org/july-august-2013/mortar-pestle-old-school-kitchen-tool/.
Harrison CC. Food herb & spice pairing chart. Psu.edu. Published 2016. http://bkc-od-media.vmhost.psu.edu/documents/HO_PE_foodherbspicepairing.pdf.
Hultin G. Herbs and Spices: Rosemary. Todaysdietitian.com. Published October 2019. https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/1019p10.shtml.
McCormick. 5 (Almost) Magical Spice Pairings You Need to Try Right Now. Mccormick.com. Published November 8, 2017. https://www.mccormick.com/articles/mccormick/5-almost-magical-spice-pairings-you-need-to-try.
Segrave-Daly D, Ball S. Healthy Kitchen Hacks. Spotlight on Seasonings. Foodandnutrition.org. Published April 20, 2021. https://foodandnutrition.org/from-the-magazine/healthy-kitchen-hacks-spotlight-on-seasonings/.
Watson M. The Ultimate Herb & Spice Flavor Pairing Guide. Delishably.com. Published April 14, 2020. https://delishably.com/spices-seasonings/The-Ultimate-Spice-Pairing-Guide.
