Don’t Have Cajun Spice? 6 Spice Mixes You Can Make at Home
You’re all excited and just about to get started with a recipe, when you see you need a spice blend you don’t have. Do you substitute with another spice? Or do you make another recipe? Neither. By keeping a few basic spices in your pantry, you can make these well-known spice blends whenever you ne.
Cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning is a popular blend used in Louisiana cooking. Sprinkle it over popcorn, use it in gumbo, or make spicy shrimp. To make your own, simply combine 1 Tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 ¼ tsp dried oregano, ¾ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 ½ tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tsp salt.
Taco Seasoning
Use the seasoning for enchiladas, beef chili, and chicken fajitas! Combine ¼ cup chili powder, ¼ cup cumin, 1 Tbsp garlic powder, 1Tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground pepper.
Pumpkin and Apple Spice
Use these spices to make apple and pumpkin pie, muffins, or add to banana bread. For pumpkin spice: combine 2 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ¼ tsp ground cloves. For apple spice: combine 4 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp nutmeg, and 1 tsp cardamom.
Garam Masala
If you like your curries to have flavor, but don’t like it too hot, garam masala is a great option. Combine 1 Tbsp ground cumin, 2 tsp coriander, 2 tsp ground cardamom, 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground pepper, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp ground cloves, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper. Make sure to roast the spices in a dry skillet before adding them to your dish.
Italian Herb Seasoning
This blend is great for pizza, pasta, and roast potatoes. Combine 1 Tbsp dried oregano, 1 Tbsp dried basil, 1 Tbsp dried parsley, 2 tsp dried thyme, 2 tsp dried rosemary, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt.
Ranch Dressing Spice Blend
Combine ¼ cup dried parsley, 1 Tbsp dried dill, 1 Tbsp garlic powder, 1 Tbsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried basil, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Use to season fries, roast potatoes, salad dressings, or dips.
Make sure to store all your DIY blends in airtight glass bottles, out of direct sunlight. If you need more, simply double or triple the recipe. These spice blends also make great gifts for home cooks. If you have a friend that loves to cook, make them a spice blend, put it in a nice bottle and add a label. It will make any foodie happy!
