Healthy Bits · Cooking & recipes
Spice blends to keep on hand
Herbs and spices are concentrated sources of polyphenols, plant compounds with antioxidant activity, and homemade blends skip the sugar and extra salt in many store-bought mixes. I keep these four in small jars in my pantry:
- Taco: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon each smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano
- Italian: 2 tablespoons each dried basil and oregano, 1 tablespoon each dried thyme and rosemary, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Warm baking: 3 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ginger, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- Savory: 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon each onion powder, smoked paprika and black pepper
Store away from the stove and use within 6 months, salting to taste as you cook.
Try this: season a pound of beans or ground turkey with 2 tablespoons of taco blend tonight.
- spices
- salt
- antioxidants
- meal prep
Healthy Bits are for general education and aren’t medical advice. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing, take medication, or are managing a health condition.