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DIY Seasoning Blends

Don't have garam masala or taco seasoning on hand? Learn to mix up your own blend using the herbs and spices in your pantry.

By Kaelyn Riley | Experience LifeMay 14, 2020

A variety of seasoning blends on spoons.

It’s Wednesday night and you’re midway through cooking dinner when you realize you’re missing the particular seasoning mix the recipe requires. You could make an emergency grocery run — or you could create a blend of your own.

Store-bought spice packets tend to be high in sodium, and many contain sweeteners or anticaking agents. You can avoid those additives by making a blend yourself, and you can tweak the ratios to suit your tastes.

Each of these recipes makes about 3 tablespoons. Simply whisk herbs and spices in a small bowl until combined. Use immediately, or store in a sealed jar for up to three months. None of these blends includes salt, so don’t forget to salt your dish to taste before serving.

Garam Masala

1 tbs. ground cumin
2 tsp. ground coriander
2 tsp. ground cardamom
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Italian Seasoning

1 tbs. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried marjoram
2 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
3/4 tsp. dried rosemary
3/4 tsp. dried sage

Taco Seasoning

1 tbs. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 /12 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
3/4 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Poultry Seasoning

1 tbs. dried sage
2 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Kaelyn Riley is an Experience Life senior editor.

By Kaelyn Riley

Kaelyn Riley is Experience Life’s editorial director of food and nutrition.

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