Combinations of herbs and spices give us flavors that can turn a simple chicken breast into an Indian, Cajun or Greek treat. The secret is the right combination. These recipes can be used in anything you prepare to give it that perfect flavor.
It seems like so many
recipes call for some special seasoning. Many of these are readily available in the spice section of your grocery store (if you remembered to pick them up) and others are just general flavors. These recipes are the most popular
Seasoned SaltThis is a knock off of the popular Lawry's Seasoned Salt. It is great for any recipe that calls for seasoned salt. The combination of salt, sugar and spices give this a great, natural way to enhance flavors.
Cajun cooking has developed a reputation for being all about heat. Truth is Cajun flavors are more savory than hot. This spice blend can be adjusted for heat by increasing (or decreasing) the amount of cayenne pepper.
How Montreal became the king of spice blends is anyones guess, but spice maker McCormick has been selling these blends for years. There are probably hundred of recipes for this seasoning, but they are all based on the same idea. Heat and flavor without all the floral herbs of many old world blends.
This is the traditional seasoning recipe for Cajun style blackened fish. Apply this rub and the throw the fish in an extremely hot cast iron skillet.
Mexican seasonings can be as simple as chili powder or large collections of spices and herbs. To me is just doesn't have that Mexican flavor if it doesn't have cumin. The best way to get cumin powder is to toast cumin seeds and grind them to a fine dust. If you are not as ambitions you can use dried cumin instead.
There are lots of poultry seasonings out there and a wide range of variety. Typically, however you will find sage, rosemary, oregano, and thyme in most all of them. This poultry seasoning is great for everything from whole roasted turkeys to chicken noodle soup.
There are probably hundreds of recipes for Garam Masala, the traditional seasoning blend of Northern India. This is one of the more simple recipes and is great for adding an Indian flavor to anything you want to cook.
Old Bay seasoning is a traditional favorite of Maryland and sold world wide. This approximation of that old recipe is a perfect seasoning for fish and seafood.
This seasoning is great for every use. Add it to olive oil and make a marinade. Sprinkle it on meats as a rub. If you want to heat it up add a tablespoon of red pepper flakes.
This is a quick and easy way to add a great Greek flavor to most anything you want to cook. Try combining this seasoning with olive oil and lemon juice to make a great marinade.
Tradition suggests that the basis for Creole flavor is the three peppers, black, white and red. This spice blend mixes black pepper, white pepper and cayenne with herbs to make a great flavor.
