Southwest Seasoning

There's something magical about concocting your own spice blends, right? I'm all about creating that perfect mix of saltiness, heat, and flavor without any pesky preservatives. This versatile, homemade Southwest Seasoning recipe is a breeze to whip up and promises to be a total game-changer in your kitchen. It's so easy to whip up at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Creating your own spice blends at home is a breeze! Get set to whip up this versatile Southwest Seasoning mix. It's a game-changer for marinating meats or adding that extra spark to potatoes - the options are limitless. One of my top picks for this Southwest spice blend? Marinating flank steak with this mix as a dry rub along with a drizzle of avocado oil, and a dash of lime. Let it sit overnight, then grill it up for an unbeatable Southwest Steak Salad for a healthy salad with loads of flavor. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Ingredients You Will Need

Chili Powder: Chili powder, a vibrant and flavorful spice, creates a rich and robust base to the spice blend.

Ground Cumin: Cumin, with its warm and earthy notes, lends a distinctive aromatic flavor that's quintessential to many Southwest seasoning blends.

Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika introduces a distinct smoky flavor that complements the other spices, adding depth and a unique taste.

Garlic Powder: Garlic powder imparts a concentrated and consistent garlicky essence to the seasoning blend.

Ground Coriander: Ground coriander adds a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor with subtle floral notes.

Dried Oregano: Oregano is added for its herbaceous flavor, which complements the other spices.

Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors, while pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.

Chipotle Powder: Chipotle powder, renowned for its smoky heat, imparts a fiery punch and enhances the spice blend with a distinctive and spicy kick. If the heat isn't your thing, you can leave this out.

Instructions

Combine the ingredients: Add all spices in a bowl and stir to combine.

Store in an air-tight container: I like to store this Southwest Seasoning blend in old spice jars that have been washed and recycled. Create a new label to easily identify your various homemade spice mixes stored in different jars.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Balanced Flavors: Adjust the proportions of ingredients like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to achieve the desired balance of heat, smokiness, and earthy flavors based on personal taste preferences.

Grinding Fresh: For enhanced flavor, consider grinding whole coriander seeds and using freshly ground spices whenever possible, as it intensifies the aroma and taste of the seasoning blend. Of course, you can always use ready-made spice blends for simplicity!

Recipe Variations

Adjust the heat levels: For an added kick, double the chipotle powder to reach 2 teaspoons. For a livelier heat, experiment using just ½ teaspoon chipotle powder and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust as desired). To keep it milder, skip the chipotle powder and the addition of cayenne pepper entirely.

Eliminate the smoky flavor: Opt for a standard, non-smoked paprika for a more neutral taste along with cayenne pepper instead of chipotle powder, if desired.

Storage Tips

Storing your own spice mixes, like this Southwest Seasoning, in a sealed glass jar will maintain their freshness for up to a year!

FAQs About Southwest Seasoning

What is Southwest Seasoning made of?

This Southwest Seasoning is made using a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, coriander, oregano, salt, black pepper and chipotle powder.

What is a substitute for Southwest spice?

A good substitute for a Southwest Seasoning blend could be a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the proportions based on your taste preferences.

Is Southwest spice blend the same as taco seasoning?

While Southwest seasoning blend and taco spice share similarities, their differences lie in the specific ingredients and their proportions. Southwest seasoning blend typically has its distinctive mix of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and oregano, which provides a unique flavor, especially with the addition of chipotle powder for heat. On the other hand, taco spice might include elements like onion powder and different herbs.