I’m a huge fan of those fancy spice blends at the supermarket, such as the exotic Garam Masala or cozy Pumpkin Pie Spice, so to save money, I came up with several spice blend recipes to make at home. These recipes are simple, will save you money in the long run, and they make any dish taste awesome. As long as you have several basic spices on hand, you can easily create these spice blend recipes with what you have. Spices are some of the top sources of antioxidants in the world. They have been used in ancient cultures for years for medicinal and culinary uses.
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1. Garam Masala
This ethnic spice is one of the best spice blend recipes to make at home since it can be pricey at the store. Garam Masala is often used in Moroccan and Indian cuisines, and there are many different variations, depending on the region the spice comes from. It makes a wonderful topping on a savory grain, such as rice, quinoa or couscous. It can also be used in exotic desserts and as a meat or fish marinade.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 Tbsp. ground coriander
1 ½ Tbsp. ground cardamom
1 ½ tsp. ground pepper
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cloves
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
Directions:
Mix cumin, coriander, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl. Place mix in an airtight container or recycled spice jar, and store in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
2. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Everyone loves the smell of Thanksgiving, but more so, the tastes this holiday brings. Use this pumpkin pie spice in muffins, smoothies, on yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, or whatever else you like. It is incredibly easy to make and stores up nicely for a year.
Ingredients:
1 tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. ginger
¼ tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and place in an airtight container or recycled spice jar for up to a year in a cool dry place.
3. Curry Spice Blend
Who isn’t a fan of curry, right? Now you can make your own at home! Curry just has a way of kicking things up a notch! Toss a bit of this in any savory dish. It makes a great addition to soups, stir-fries, chili recipes and as a meat or fish marinade. You can even add it to scrambled eggs or oats for a savory breakfast.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 Tbsp. ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and place in an airtight container or recycled spice jar for up to a year in a cool dry place.
4. Chinese Five Spice
Chinese Five Spice is a popular seasoning for sweet and savory dishes, and it can vary just a little depending on the region it comes from. This version is my current favorite.
Ingredients:
1 tsp. ground pepper
1 tsp. ground star anise
1-1/4 tsp. ground fennel seeds
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and place in an airtight container or recycled spice jar for up to a year in a cool dry place.
5. Herbs De Provence
This is a popular French seasoning that is excellent on salads, fish, chicken, or in rice and quinoa dishes.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. dried basil leaves
1 Tbsp. dried marjoram leaves
1 Tbsp. dried thyme leaves
1 powdered or ground bay leaf
1 tsp. fennel seeds
2 tsp. dried lavender
1/8 tsp. white or black pepper
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and place in an airtight container or recycled spice jar for up to a year in a cool dry place.
6. Old Bay Seasoning
This spice blend is one of the most popular and often used in seafood and casserole recipes, but I like to sprinkle it on salads, add it to quinoa, or even on top of roasted veggies. Use it in any savory dish you like!
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. ground dried bay leaves
2 teaspoons celery salt
1-1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground celery seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground mace
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and place in an airtight container or recycled spice jar for up to a year in a cool dry place.
7. Sweet Spice
I saved the best for last. I created my own version of this three years ago and even sold it for some time online. Sweet Spice is wonderful to use on anything you want, but I especially love it in smoothies, on oatmeal, in pancakes and in waffles. Here’s my favorite recipe for this popular spice blend. Some people also add 1 Tbsp. brown sugar, but I omit it.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons dried ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Directions: Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and place in an airtight container or recycled spice jar for up to a year in a cool dry place.
If you don’t have all of the necessary staple spices to make your own blends at home, try just buying one or two new single spices each time you go to the store. This will help you build up your stock of spices and then you can recreate any blend you want, or come up with some of your own. This will save you tons of dollars in the long run, and it can be fun! What’s your favorite spice blend ?
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