Homemade Powdered Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground achiote or annato
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Combine all seasonings and mix well. Store in an airtight container. Use in place of a packet of powdered seasoning with color.
I have used store-bought packets of seasoning ever since I started cooking Colombian food. It’s not that there's anything wrong with these seasoning packets other than they include ingredients that I can't even pronounce!
I have been loyal to a couple of brands for years. In Colombia, I used Triguisar and here in the United States I usually use Sazón Goya, because it's easier to find. Many of my readers though are asking me for a substitute for this seasoning because they can't find any of them where they live, or because they can't eat those mystery ingredients! So, I decided to give homemade powdered seasoning a try this week. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it turned out! It's very easy to make and all it takes is a combo of different spices, most of which you should already have in your spice cabinet.
Buen provecho!
ela@GrayApron
Great idea. Ready to use and homemade! Thanks 🙂 ela
Velva
Making homemade seasoning blends is a good idea. Looks like this one turned out really well. Thanks for sharing it-
Velva
Von
We don't cook with spices much at home, so everytime I attempt a recipe which uses spices, I need to buy a couple of new spices which I probably don't use again for quite a while! 🙁 I love the idea of a spice mix as another way of using spices though....definitely will look into it next time I'm cooking! 😀
Sarah
If your not using apices often toast them before use brings back flavor
Erika
Thank you!! I've used Sazón Goya and Triguisar but would prefer something more natural. I will definitely try this!
PJ
I am so happy that you gave us this recipe. My friend's mother used Maggi with saffron, which her family in Bogota says is the "taste of Colombia," so would I grind it up to add, or add it when making a dish?
Angie@Angie's Recipes
I like to make my own spices mix too. Thanks for sharing, Erica.
Alan Bowman
Store bought seasoning mixes are frequently laced with far more sodium than is good for you. Sodium usually comes in the form of common salt (Sodium chloride - NaCl). But watch out for that evil flavour enhancer Monosodium Glutamate known also a MSG and is very commonly found in Chinese food. It is claimed that MSG can have neurotoxic effects.
It makes sense therefore, assuming that you can get the basic ingredients without their containing dubious additives to blend your own herb and spice mixes as and when you need them - at least you have a much better idea of what is in them. I usually buy my basic ingredients (sage, thyme, black pepper, cumin, etc.) in bulk - often several kg at a time. Stored well they will keep until the last bit is used.
Joanne
I definitely prefer all things homemade! love this post!
ChefLan
I'm all about homemade good good. Thank you dearly for this post!!
chefina
Hi, I love this site. Since I visited Colombia , I love Colombia and I love the food.I love Bandeja Paisa, Chocolo, the natural juices, like guanabana, tamarindo, mora, guava and more. I bought Triguisar in Colombia, and now I can buy it too in my country. They import it from Colombia. I love this seasoning.
Blessings to you from above with this site. Ciao.
Téo
Erica,
Fijese que usaba mucho el Sazón Goya con azafrán. Me encanta, pero tuve la mala idea de leer los ingredientes y ahora busco una receta para hacerlo en casa. ¿Sabe usted como yo podría prepararlo?
¡Muchisimas gracias!
Lilly
Erica,
I have used many of your recipes, many remind me of my abuelita growing up and her love of cooking. Sadly, I was too little to learn many of her dishes, but I am discovering my inner Colombian cook through your site.
Question: I live in East Africa and annatto nor achiote are sold here, at least I have not found it in any of my local markets...when I ask for these spices, people haven't a clue what they are! So, what can I use in place of these ingredients? Would Paprika be a good option?
Mil gracias!
Kathleen
If your recipe calls for one packet of seasoning, how much do I use from the spice recipe you have given us? Sorry, but I'm an Irish woman and this is all new to me
Esteban
Absolutely brilliant spice mix, we will no longer be purchasing the commercial and chemical stuff. I started preparing just a little initially and giving some to family and friends, people loved it so much and wanted so much more that today I ended preparing six pounds of it!!!
Gracias!