These Mixes Should Be in Your Spice Cabinet.
Making a spice mix isn’t too difficult, but buying one bottle of the mix is more convenient and cost-effective than buying five bottles of five different spices. Plus, if you’re just getting into the world of condiments and spices, the mixes can be a little less intimidating.
I’m not saying you need all of these, but there are worse ways to spend your money, and at least they all make fantastic popcorn toppers. Here are some of my favorite mixes in mixes, in no particular order:
- Lowry Seasoned Salt: This savory and slightly sweet American concoction was made for fried ribs, but I think it’s especially good with potatoes, especially fried potatoes.
- A few suggestions from Trader Joe: You guys already know how I feel about their Everything, But the Bagel , but Trader Joe’s Chili Lime mix, their Garlic Straw, 21 Salute Universal Seasoning, and South African Smoke (with paprika and basil). ) everything is also pretty fabulous. The only annoying thing is that they rarely store them all at the same time, but you can usually supplement them with Amazon.
- Tony Chachera’s Original Creole Seasoning: I grew up in a gumbo family and Tony is pretty much the only Cajun and Creole seasoning we use. It can be a little salty, which I don’t mind, but they have a salt-free option for sensitive people. Besides gumbo, it is great for fried vegetables and popcorn.
- Goya Adobo: This versatile Latin flavoring is especially useful during grilling season. It allows you to quickly add some oregano and garlic to chicken, seafood and vegetables.
- Tagine: This chili lime seasoning is good for almost anything edible or drinkable, but it works great when sprinkled with mango or margarita rim.
- Greek Seasoning by Cavender: This super-most iconic favorite is billed as a “tantalizing flavor” made from an “ancient Greek formula,” although I don’t think the ancient Greeks had access to MSG (which is too bad for them). In addition to MSG, the blend includes a variety of flavor bases with garlic, oregano, parsley and “five other spices.” I can’t say for sure, but I suspect two of them are marjoram and thyme.
- Old Bay: This concoction of celery salt, crushed paprika, peppers and a host of other things is known as a seafood superstar, but it’s also delicious with corn on the cob, potatoes, and assorted picnic salads. (Oh, and Bloody Mary .)
- Penzys Poultry Seasoning: White pepper, sage and lemon zest are just a few of the flavors that make this poultry seasoning worth adding to most of your chicken dishes. Also pretty decent on a pork chop.
- Zaatar: I don’t have much brand recommendation, but most Arab grocery stores (as well as health food stores or boutiques) sell this blend of thyme, sumach, and toasted sesame seeds. It goes well with all meats, especially lamb, but my favorite way to use it is to mix it with labne and warm pita.
- Chinese Five Spices: Made with roughly equal servings of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan pepper, this warm, slightly pungent concoction is perfect for grilled and stewed meats – hello roast duck – but stay awake for its sweet appendages; it makes excellent pear and apple pies . Find it in any Asian grocery store (and most American ones).
- Furikake: seaweed, dried bonito and sometimes monosodium glutamate – is only three things that make this Shaker with a high content of minds should have at home. I love eggs, vegetables, and a large plate of plain rice. You can buy it at any Japanese grocery store or order it online.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: While this blend of garlic, coriander, cayenne pepper, black pepper and dill was created to spice up steaks, its real ( reader-approved ) power is to add shine to vegetarian dishes like lentils and mushrooms …
Adding just a few of these to your closet will open up new worlds of flavors and, as previously mentioned, they will really enhance your popcorn game. If I missed your favorite, let us know in the comments below. Together we can build the best spice cabinets.