DIY spice blends for adding flavor to your dishes

Creating your own spice blends at home is an easy and fun way to add unique flavors to your dishes while also knowing exactly what ingredients are going into them. Homemade spice blends allow for customization based on your tastes, dietary preferences, and the types of cuisines you enjoy. Here are some simple and flavorful DIY spice blends you can easily make to elevate your cooking.

1. All-Purpose Seasoning Blend

This versatile blend can be used for meats, vegetables, and even sprinkled on salads or popcorn.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, then transfer to an airtight container for storage. This blend is great for seasoning chicken, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

2. Taco Seasoning

Perfect for Mexican dishes, tacos, fajitas, or even spicing up scrambled eggs.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:
Combine all the spices in a bowl and mix well. Store the taco seasoning in a jar, and use it for tacos, burritos, chili, or seasoning grilled meats.

3. Italian Seasoning

This herbaceous blend is ideal for pasta dishes, pizza, and Italian-inspired recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)

Instructions:
Mix all the herbs and spices together in a bowl and store in an airtight jar. It’s perfect for pasta sauces, pizza toppings, or seasoning vegetables.

4. Curry Powder

Bring the flavors of India to your kitchen with this aromatic and vibrant curry powder blend.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:
Combine all the spices in a bowl and store in an airtight container. Use this blend in curries, soups, stews, or roasted vegetables.

5. Moroccan Ras El Hanout

A fragrant and complex spice blend used in Moroccan and North African cuisines.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:
Mix all the spices together in a bowl and store in an airtight container. Ras El Hanout is excellent in tagines, couscous dishes, or grilled meats.

6. BBQ Rub

Ideal for grilling season, this blend adds a smoky, sweet, and spicy kick to meats.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together, then store in a jar. Use it on ribs, chicken, burgers, or grilled vegetables for an easy homemade BBQ flavor.

Tips for Storing Spice Blends

• Store all homemade spice blends in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor.
• Spice blends typically last 6 months to a year, but they’re best used within 3 months for optimal freshness.
• Feel free to adjust quantities and ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.