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Break Free from Bland Meals with These 7 DIY Seasoning Blends

Are you tired of the same old boring meals? Look no further! With a few simple ingredients, you can create a world of flavors to elevate your cooking game.

The Power of Seasonings

While sauces and dips can add flavor to your meals, they’re often loaded with unwanted sugars, preservatives, and calories. That’s where seasonings come in – a healthier alternative to add excitement to your protein and veggies. By mixing and matching familiar herbs, spices, and salts, you can create unique flavor profiles that will make mealtime more enjoyable.

Mastering Your Spice Blends

Before we dive into our 7 favorite seasoning blends, here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

• Store them smartly: Keep your spice blends in airtight containers to preserve their flavor and aroma.
• Measure up: Be mindful of your measurements to avoid overpowering your food with spices.
• Customize to your taste: Don’t like an ingredient? Swap it out or remove it entirely and adjust the ratio accordingly.
• Versatility is key: Choose spice blends that can work on a variety of proteins, veggies, and starches.
• Less is more: Start with a small amount and add more to taste, rather than overwhelming your dish.

7 DIY Seasoning Blends to Spice Up Your Life

1. Taco Magic
   Combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional) for a flavorful taco seasoning.

2. Italian Flair
   Mix 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a classic Italian seasoning.

3. Barbecue Bliss
   Combine 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon celery salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper for a sweet and smoky barbecue seasoning.

4. Jerk Seasoning
   Blend 1 tablespoon allspice, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg for a bold jerk seasoning.

5. Ranch Delight
   Mix 1/2 cup dried buttermilk, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, 2 tablespoons dried chives, 1 1/2 teaspoons onion flakes, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper for a creamy ranch seasoning.

6. Curry Craze
   Combine 2 tablespoons ground coriander, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons ground turmeric, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground mustard, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a warm and aromatic curry seasoning.

7. Pumpkin Spice Magic
   Blend 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 1/4 teaspoons allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon ground clove for a seasonal pumpkin spice seasoning.

With these 7 DIY seasoning blends, you’ll be well on your way to breaking free from bland meals and exploring a world of flavors. Happy cooking!