How to Make Your Own Herb Seasonings

Creating your own herb seasoning blends doesn't require a lot of specialized knowledge or equipment. You can create marvelous blends that will save both time and money, and it's probably easier than you think. Recipes for classic herb blends are an easy way to get started. When you've built up confidence, you can also create your own custom blends.

Things You'll Need

• Bulk dried rosemary
• Bulk dried marjoram
• Bulk dried basil
• Bulk dried oregano
• Bulk dried thyme
• Bulk chili powder (or whole dried chilies, if using mortar and pestle)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Bulk red pepper flakes
• Bulk onion powder
• Bulk garlic powder
• Bulk ground cayenne pepper
• Bulk ground cumin (or whole, if using mortar and pestle)
• Bulk paprika
• Two empty spice jars
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Funnel (optional)
• Notebook (optional)
• Mortar and pestle (optional)

Instructions

Basic Italian Seasoning Blend

1. Measure out 2 tbsp. each of rosemary, marjoram, basil, oregano and thyme. Put each herb into the mixing bowl as you measure it.

2. Mix herbs together in bowl.

3. Pour herb mixture into an empty spice jar. You may wish to use a funnel to make sure you get all of the herbs into the jar successfully.

Basic Taco Seasoning Blend

1. Measure the following: 3 tbsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 tsp. onion powder, 1/2 tsp. oregano, 1 tsp. paprika, 1 tbsp. ground cumin, 2 tsp. each of salt and pepper. If you prefer, use a mortar and pestle to grind whole dried chilies and cumin before measuring. Freshly ground spices and herbs are more flavorful than those that have been sitting on a shelf for a long period of time.

2. Mix all ingredients together in bowl. If you like it spicy, add 1/2 tsp. of red pepper flakes. If you like it very spicy, add a little more, but be careful not to add too much.

3. Pour herb and spice mixture into an empty spice jar. Use a funnel if you'd like.

Tips & Warnings

• These two basic recipes demonstrate how easy it is to blend your own herbs (and spices) together. Once you've tried cooking using these blends, you may find that you like them as they are. However, you may also find that you'd like to tweak them. If you think that your Italian seasoning blend should feature some garlic and/or some spice, add a little garlic powder and some red pepper flakes. If you wish your taco blend was a little smokier, add a little more cayenne and paprika. Try this with a small amount of your seasoning blend first, so that if you don't like the result, you haven't ruined your entire batch.

• As you experiment with blending different herbs and spices, you'll begin to get a feel for what works well together. Keep a notebook handy so that if you find a blend you particularly like, you can write the recipe down and replicate it in the future.

• Once you feel confident, you can move beyond the herbs listed here and try experimenting with others. Classic blends such as herbes de Provence are very easy to replicate at home.

References

• The Professional Chef (Eighth Edition); Culinary Institute of America; 2006