Using seasoning is a great way to spice up your dishes, whether they are party appetizers or healthy, salt-free meal options to help you meet your health goals. If cooking isn’t your hobby of choice, trying to pick which herb or spice you will add to your dish can be a challenge. So, trying to piece together which herbs on your spice rack work together best can be even more difficult.
Here are four of the best seasoning blends to try in the coming year, along with which dishes to use them in.
Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning is for more than just tacos. You can use this blend in chili, guacamole, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Alternatively, rub this seasoning blend on boneless, skinless chicken breasts, then top with salsa, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious main course in your next Tex-Mex meal.
For this seasoning you will need:
- ½ cup Cumin
- ½ cup Chili Powder
- ⅛ cup Garlic Powder
- ⅛ cup Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Oregano
- ⅛ cup Paprika
Mix the spices together and store in an airtight container. If you like an extra kick, add in 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper. This is a good replacement for packaged taco and fajita kits, which have a lot of preservatives. If you decide to shop for spices and blends, make sure to buy good quality ones from trusted sources, like Old Mansion. To help the seasoning stick to meat while cooking, add a bit of cornstarch in a separate dish.
Apple Pie Seasoning
Apple pie spices are a rich, welcoming, and aromatic blend of spices used in baking– you guessed it– apple pie. You can also use this blend of seasoning for other desserts, such as cheesecake, coffee cake, cookies, and in yogurt as a fruit dip. Braver cooks can use this seasoning on pork topped with apple slices for maximum flavor enhancement.
You will need:
- ¼ cup Cinnamon
- ⅛ cup Nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Cardamom or Ginger
- 1 tbsp Allspice
You will only want to make a small batch of this as you’ll be using it in very specific dishes. Scale up as needed. Apple pie seasoning is a great gift when presented in a small mason jar with a square of gingham fabric on the cover. Wrap a piece of twine around to hold a card with your favorite apple seasoning recipe.
Pizza Seasoning
Nothing tastes better than a homemade pizza and delicious side salad. Pizza is something anyone can enjoy, due to the versatility of the toppings and customization techniques. Fans of gluten-free and low-carb eating can alter the crust to fit their needs. Vegan and dairy-free individuals can swap out the cheese. Regardless of how you make your pizza, the right seasoning is a must.
You will need:
- ¼ cup Oregano
- ⅛ cup Basil
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Thyme
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Fennel (optional)
For an extra, tangy burst of flavor, mix some lemon zest into your seasoning and store in the fridge. You can also use this seasoning in homemade marinara or to sprinkle on your salad for some extra flavor. If you have kids, veggie pizza roll-ups are a great lunchbox feature that they will be excited to eat!
Curry Seasoning
Curry seasoning is a fragrant, brightly-colored blend that will make your Indian-inspired dishes sing. You can use it to make your own curry dishes, or add it to samosas, falafel, or chutney.
You will need:
- ½ cup Paprika
- ¼ cup Cumin
- ¼ cup Tumeric
- 2 tbsp Mustard Powder
- 3 tbsp Coriander
- 1 tbsp Fennel
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
For some extra kick, you can add red pepper flakes or cloves (or both). This seasoning blend is also delicious in pasta dishes. By mixing melted butter, yogurt, your curry seasoning, and lemon juice, then tossing with noodles and chicken, you can create a simple dinner in minutes.
Give the Gift of Flavor
Keep these go-to seasonings in your cupboard for a quick and easy flavor boost. Tweak the recipes as needed until you find something you truly enjoy. When you do, you can distribute your custom blend to your friends in proper packaging with a label indicating your culinary expertise. This makes a great gift for celebrations year-round while also celebrating your success in the kitchen!
