Everybody knows that the foundation of any “secret family recipe” is the magical balance of herbs and seasonings that makes Grandma’s spaghetti sauce taste the best! Make your family’s “secret recipe” even more special by using herbs harvested from your own garden. Herbs can be harvested and used fresh, or dried and stored. Fresh herbs can also be frozen for later use. In all cases a mixture of different herbs can be pre-blended and stored away so they are ready to go next time you are ready to cook.
Recipes for Mixed Herb Seasonings
The freshness of home-grown herbs enhances the quality of any dish you prepare. Once you have created an herb blend that you especially love, you’re sure to want to keep a batch of it on hand. Dried seasoning blends should keep well for about a year if stored in an air-tight jar or container. Here are a few basic blends to get you started. Don’t be afraid to experiment with quantities and increase or delete herbs to create your signature blend.
Any of these herb mixtures can also be used for flavoring fresh popcorn!
How to Make Pizza Seasoning
To make homemade pizza seasoning, these are the herbs at the heart of every pizzeria’s sauce: Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Marjoram, Rosemary, Parsley.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons basil
2 tablespoons oregano
1 tablespoon parsley
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon dried minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1/2 tablespoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
A few variations to try:
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon rosemary
Directions
Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in a tightly sealed container or jar. When ready to use mix with one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How to Make Italian Pasta Seasoning
Whether you prefer homemade Alfredo sauce, marinara or pesto, use these herbs to give your pasta an authentic Italian flavor: Sage, Oregano, Basil, Fennel Seeds, Thyme, Rosemary.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic)
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Optional:
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
Directions
Mix together herbs and blend with one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
Make it mild or make it spicy; these are the best herbs for making any Mexican recipe: Oregano, Cilantro, Garlic, Coriander.
Ingredients
Mild:
4 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
3 teaspoons cumin
3 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons garlic powder
3 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
Spicy add:
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Use 2 tablespoons of the mixture with 1 pound of cooked beef or chicken. Add the seasonings and 2/3 cup of water, stir and simmer until all the liquid has evaporated.
Taco seasoning can also be used to season sour cream or cheese dips.
Grow Your Own Herbs at Home
To be sure you have all the right ingredients at your fingertips, these are the herbs you’ll want to include in your garden. Don’t have a garden? No problem, these herbs also grow great in containers placed on a patio, deck, or balcony.
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Basil |
Cilantro |
Coriander | Fennel | Oregano |
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| Parsley |
Rosemary | Sage | Sweet Marjoram | Thyme |
