DIY Seasoning Blends

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.

1. 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

2. Italian Seasoning

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

3. Taco Seasoning

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

4. Poultry Seasoning

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