With a small collection of dried spices and herbs, it is easy, affordable, sustainable, and creative to create your own seasoning blends. I use herbs and spices in almost everything I cook. The most economical way to do this is to make a list of your favorite seasonings, meat rubs, and spice blends and their ingredients and then purchase a bulk order from a local herb shop or an online retailer. Avoid buying dried herbs and spices from grocery stores: they are exposed to 16-24 hours of light and may have been on the shelf or in the bulk bin for months, resulting in lost volatile oils which is where the flavor resides.
Using canning jars, a coffee grinder dedicated to spices only, and a list of favorite seasoning recipes, I can make batches of my blends in one afternoon. I indulged in some pretty spice jars and simply refill them from my canning jar collection of blends. All herbs and spices should be stored away from heat and light to preserve their flavors.
Ingredients for Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons ground paprika (regular or smoked)
- 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fine sea salt (or pink Himalayan salt)
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground dill seed
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground brown mustard seeds
- ½-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne
Blend the herbs and store in a small canning glass jar. Use as a rub for meats that will be grilled or fried and sprinkle over while grilling vegetables.
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