Homemade Seasoning Mixes

Betsey Reid

Have you ever run out of a particular seasoning mix?  Would you like to decrease your sodium intake?  How about decreasing your grocery bill? Prepackaged seasoning mixes and packets are often heavily salted, sometimes contain undesirable additives and are usually about three times more expensive than homemade.  So boost the flavor of soups, casseroles, meats and veggies with these delicious homemade seasoning mixes. Yes, you can even make tacos and spaghetti without a prepackaged seasoning packet! Modify as desired and use small amounts of salt as needed and to fit your family's tastes. 
 
Dried seasoning mixes will keep for about 6 months in a dark cupboard at room temperature or up to a year in the freezer in small sealed containers.  Enjoy and make in larger quantities if desired.
 
Cajun - Combine 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 3/4 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon ground red pepper, 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano. 
 
French - Combine 1 teaspoon dried tarragon, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
 
Indian - Combine 1 tablespoon mild curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper.
 
Italian or Mediterranean - Combine 1 tablespoon dried basil, 2 teaspoons dried oregano,1 teaspoon dried marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.  Goes well in tomato based soups etc.
 
Middle Eastern - Combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt.  This goes well in chicken, bean and lentil dishes.
 
Southwestern or Mexican - Combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground red pepper.
 
Thai - 2 tablespoons dried mint, 1 tablespoon lemon or lime zest, 1 tablespoon lemon grass, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons white pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1/8 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne.