It’s common practice to reach for taco seasoning mixes or barbecue rubs without even glancing at the ingredient list. The need to do so seems irrelevant because you are so focused on using whatever spice mix you purchase. Not only are store bought spice blends or mixes expensive, but many of them also contain anti-caking agents, monosodium glutamate (MSG), or chemical additives.
Making homemade spice mixes is a delicious step towards a healthier life, because you know exactly what each blend contains. For example, it would stand to reason that garlic salt contains two ingredients: garlic and salt. Oh contraire, friends. Lawry’s Garlic Salt, for instance, contains salt, garlic, modified corn starch, sugar, parsley, natural flavors, and extractives of carrot. Spice mixes like these may be causing food-related reactions because you are sensitive to certain ingredients. Common ingredients in store bought seasonings can include:
- Maltodextrin: can lead to digestive problems
- Natural Flavors: can be almost anything, even MSG without calling it that
- Silicon Dioxide: a free-flowing agent that has been linked to blood issues
- MSG: linked to brain cell death
- Modified Food Starch: commonly sourced from wheat (a concern for gluten intolerant people), or corn (replete with GMOs)
You Can Make Your Own
Most spice mixes are incredibly easy to make, and it is often more affordable to make them yourself than to buy the pre-made mixes that contain various chemicals. Whether you have food sensitivities or you just want to consume natural products, homemade spice mixes can assist you on your quest to healthier living. All you need are the spices and glass jars to store the mixes in; you may also want to label them to know what you’re consuming. Try out the following spice blends and let us know how you like them.
Homemade Italian Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. dried rosemary
- 3 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 5 Tbsp. dried parsley
- 2 Tbsp. dried thyme
- 2 Tbsp. dried sage
- 3 Tbsp. dried basil
- 2 Tbsp. onion powder
- 2 Tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 Tbps. paprika
- 2 tsp. fennel seed
- 2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. sea salt
Instructions:
- Place all of the ingredients in a glass jar and shake well. Cover and store in a cool dry place.
- Use in eggplant Parmesan, zucchini lasagna, pasta sauces, or salad dressings.
Taco Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp. cumin
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder
- 3 Tbsp. paprika
- 2 Tbsp. onion powder
- 2 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp. sea salt
- 1 Tbsp. black pepper
- 2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Place all of the ingredients in a jar and shake well to combine. It will keep fresh in a jar for up to six months.
- Sprinkle this spice mix in your nut meat for raw vegan tacos, or season chickpeas with it to roast them for a taco-flavored snack.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup cinnamon powder
- 3 Tbsp. ginger powder
- 3 Tbsp. cloves
- 5 Tbsp. allspice
- 2 Tbsp. ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Add all the spices to a glass jar and use a spoon to mix them up. Cover with a lid and label them so you know what spice it is.
- Store the spice mix in a cool dry place and use it for your favorite pumpkin spice creations.
Curry Powder
Ingredients:
- 3 tsp. turmeric
- 2 tsp. ground coriander
- 5 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp. ginger powder
- ¾ tsp. ground mustard seed
- ½ tsp. fenugreek
- ½ tsp. cloves
- ½ tsp. nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. cardamom
Instructions:
- Place all the ingredients in a glass jar and shake well to combine. Store in a cool dry place.
- You can use curry powder to make curry (obviously), but it adds depth of flavor to chili, sauces, and roasted vegetables.
Healthy Ranch Seasoning
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup dried parsley
- 1 Tbsp. dried dill
- 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. dried basil
- ½ tsp. black pepper
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients to a glass jar and shake well to combine.
- You can make a healthier ranch dressing by mixing this seasoning with some water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and raw cashews. How cool is that?
Seasoning Salt
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. sea salt
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ¼ tsp. turmeric
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients to a glass jar and shake well to combine. Use as you please.
Chili Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 5 tsp. cumin
- 5 tsp. garlic powder
- ¾ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients to a glass jar and shake well to combine. For maximum shelf life, store in an airtight jar in the fridge.
- Paprika is a pepper and will maintain its potency in the fridge.
