All-purpose Spice Mix

All-Purpose Spice Mix Recipe - Add Flavor to Every Dish

Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creating an all-purpose spice mix is a fantastic way to add flavor and depth to a wide variety of dishes. This particular recipe combines the nuttiness of sesame seeds and parmesan cheese with the warmth of paprika and the earthiness of poppy seeds, onion flakes, and garlic powder. The addition of a chicken bouillon cube introduces a savory umami element that makes this spice mix a versatile kitchen staple. Whether you're seasoning meats, vegetables, or incorporating it into sauces and marinades, this all-purpose spice mix is sure to become a go-to in your culinary repertoire.

History

The concept of an all-purpose spice mix is not new and can be traced back to various cultures and cuisines around the world. Each region has its own version, tailored to complement the local flavors and ingredients. This particular recipe is a modern interpretation, designed to be versatile and suitable for a variety of dishes. The use of parmesan cheese and sesame seeds adds a unique twist, making it a contemporary kitchen essential.

Ingredients

0.33 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.25 cup sesame seeds
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp onion flakes
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp celery seed
0.5 tbsp salt
0.5 tbsp pepper

How to prepare

Crush the bouillon cube into a fine powder and place it in a screw-top jar.
Add the remaining ingredients and shake well until they are thoroughly mixed.
Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.

Variations

For a vegan version, substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor without the dairy. For a spicier mix, add chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To get the most out of your all-purpose spice mix, it's important to store it correctly. Keeping it in a screw-top jar in the refrigerator will help maintain its freshness for up to 4 months. Additionally, when using this spice mix, start with a small amount and adjust according to taste, as the flavors are concentrated and can easily overpower a dish if used too liberally.

Serving Suggestions

This spice mix can be used in a variety of ways. Try it as a seasoning for grilled or roasted meats, vegetables, or as a flavorful addition to soups and stews. It also works well mixed into breadcrumbs for a tasty coating for chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

This spice mix can be used in both dry and wet cooking methods. When roasting or grilling, sprinkle it directly onto the food before cooking. For soups, stews, or sauces, add it during the cooking process to allow the flavors to meld.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sesame seeds, you can substitute them with flaxseeds or leave them out entirely. Similarly, if you're out of poppy seeds, simply omit them or use chia seeds as a textural alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This spice mix can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 months, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy cooks looking to add quick flavor to their dishes.

Presentation Ideas

For an attractive presentation, sprinkle this spice mix over dishes as a finishing touch, adding both flavor and visual appeal. It can also be presented in a small bowl alongside meals, allowing guests to add to their taste.

Pairing Recommendations

This all-purpose spice mix pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from simple roasted vegetables to complex stews and casseroles. It complements both meat and plant-based dishes, making it a versatile addition to your culinary toolkit.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the spice mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. There are no specific reheating instructions, as this mix is used primarily as a seasoning rather than a standalone dish.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content of this all-purpose spice mix is relatively low, with most of the calories coming from the parmesan cheese and sesame seeds. Depending on the serving size, a typical serving could range from 20 to 50 calories, making it a calorie-efficient way to add flavor to your meals.

Carbohydrates

This all-purpose spice mix is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the onion flakes and garlic powder. The total carbohydrate content will depend on the serving size but is generally minimal, making this spice mix suitable for low-carb diets.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the sesame seeds and parmesan cheese. These ingredients contribute healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial to heart health. The overall fat content is moderate, making this spice mix a healthy addition to any dish.

Proteins

Protein content in this spice mix is primarily provided by the parmesan cheese and sesame seeds. While not a significant source of protein, it does contribute a small amount to your daily intake. This makes the spice mix a nice complement to protein-rich dishes, enhancing flavor without adding excessive calories.

Vitamins and minerals

This spice mix is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the parmesan cheese, iron from the sesame seeds and paprika, and a range of B vitamins from the nutritional yeast. These nutrients contribute to bone health, energy production, and overall well-being.

Alergens

This spice mix contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and sesame seeds, which are common allergens. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid this spice mix or modify the recipe to suit their dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, this all-purpose spice mix is a healthy, flavorful addition to any dish. It is low in carbohydrates and calories, contains healthy fats, and provides a range of vitamins and minerals. However, those with allergies to dairy or sesame should be cautious.

Summary

This all-purpose spice mix is a versatile, flavorful, and healthy addition to any kitchen. With its combination of savory, nutty, and earthy flavors, it can enhance a wide variety of dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, incorporating this spice mix into your recipes is a simple way to elevate your culinary creations.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. I had always been a lover of spices and seasonings, and the idea of creating my own all-purpose spice mix seemed like a dream come true. I had learned so much about cooking over the years, from my mother, my aunts, and even from friends and neighbors. But this was something new, something that would add a special touch to all of my dishes.

I remember the day I first came across the recipe. I was at a local market, browsing through the spice aisle, when I noticed a small handwritten card tucked away between the bottles and jars. It read "All-Purpose Spice Mix" in elegant script, and below it was a list of ingredients and instructions. My heart skipped a beat as I read through the recipe, imagining all of the delicious dishes I could create with this magical blend of spices.

I quickly purchased all of the ingredients and rushed home to start mixing them together. As I measured out each spice and carefully combined them in a bowl, I could feel the anticipation building inside of me. This was going to be something special, something that would elevate my cooking to a whole new level.

After I had finished mixing the spices together, I took a small taste. The flavors exploded on my tongue, a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and earthiness. I knew right then and there that this spice mix was going to become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have experimented with different ratios of spices, added new ingredients, and even created variations for specific dishes. But no matter how many times I tweak the recipe, the essence of that first magical blend of spices remains.

One of my favorite memories involving this all-purpose spice mix was when my granddaughter came to visit. She had always been curious about my cooking and loved to help me in the kitchen. I decided to teach her how to make the spice mix, passing down a piece of culinary wisdom that had been handed down to me.

As we measured out the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and all of the other spices, I could see the same excitement in her eyes that I had felt so many years ago. She carefully mixed everything together, her small hands working with precision and care. And when she finally took a taste, her face lit up with delight.

From that day on, my granddaughter would often ask to make the all-purpose spice mix whenever she came to visit. It became our special tradition, something that we shared together in the kitchen. And as she grew older, she began to experiment with the recipe on her own, adding her own unique twist to create something truly her own.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the memories of all of the dishes I have created using this all-purpose spice mix, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It has become a part of who I am as a cook, a symbol of the love and passion that I pour into each and every meal that I make.

And as I pass this recipe down to future generations, I know that it will continue to bring joy and flavor to kitchens around the world. For a good spice mix is more than just a blend of ingredients – it is a legacy, a tradition, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together. And that, my dear, is the true magic of cooking.