6 DIY Spice Mixes from Around the World

Spices can make all the difference in the world when you’re attempting to come up with innovative nightly eats. Eating in is easier on your waistline, the planet, and your wallet.

But no matter how you plan meals in your house, having the right spices on hand is crucial to improving the pleasure quotient of home cooking.

Often times the ingredients you see in recipes are actually prepared spice combinations that are a necessity to getting ethnic cuisine right. It’s like making paella without saffron, it’s just not the same. Instead of buying spice combinations, consider making them at home from spices that you may already have. These spice combinations keep for about 3 to 4 months and then they start to lose flavor, so use them liberally and enjoy.

1. Garam Masala

2 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp coriander seeds
2 tbsp cardamom seeds
2 tbsp black peppercorns
1 tsp whole cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp grated nutmeg

Method

1. Add all the spices except the cinnamon and nutmeg to a skillet and toast on medium heat for a few minutes, just until fragrant. Do not burn the spices or you’ll have to start over.

2. Add all the spices to a spice mill or coffee grinder and grind into powder. Store in an airtight container.

2. Chinese Five Spice

2 tbsp anise seed
2 tbsp fennel seed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp whole cloves
2 tbsp whole peppercorns

Method

1. Grind the spices together in a spice grinder.

3. Curry Powder Mixture

8 tbsp cumin powder
7 tbsp coriander powder
2 tbsp ginger powder
4 tbsp turmeric powder
1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight container.

4. Jamaican Jerk Spice Mixture

2 tsp ground thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp fine grain sugar
2 tsp dried chives

Method

1. Mix ingredients together.

5. Herbes de Provence

1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp chervil
1 tbsp rosemary
1 tbsp summer savory
1 tsp lavender
1 tsp tarragon
1 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp mint
2 chopped bay leaves

Method

1. Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container.

6. Cajun Spice Mix

1/4 cup of salt
2 tbsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp paprika
1-1/2 tbsp. onion powder
2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp ground mustard
1/8 tsp ground cloves

Method

1. Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container.