Making a spice mix yourself is great fun, tasty and easy. It's also very healthy, since many spice mixes in the supermarket unfortunately still contain a lot of sugars. On the internet you can find a wide range of good recipes to make healthy spice mixes yourself. But how do you make your spice mix a little bit better and tastier based on that? Well-known TV chef London Loy gives you five tips that make your spice mixes more flavorful and how best to use them afterward.
1. Use a coffee grinder
That old coffee grinder can be taken out of the cupboard again. Especially with a coffee grinder you create the tastiest spice blends. Use whole herbs and spices for this and be surprised by the explosion of flavor.
2. Use measuring spoons
You may know this: the recipe says "1/8 teaspoon" and you just eyeball that measurement. Or it says "use one tablespoon", but well: one tablespoon differs from another tablespoon, making it hard to judge. There is a solution! Use a measuring spoon to measure the amounts more accurately. With the standard sizes you can always be sure you are using the right amounts.
3. Use your spice mix for multiple dishes
Have you made the spice mix and are you getting to work? Remember the following tip: a specific spice mix does not necessarily have to be used for that one dish. Take, for example, a ground meat spice mix. This is of course very tasty in your meatballs, but did you know that you can also use it as a rub? By the way, London Loy uses this mix very often, so he is happy to share the recipe with you: half tsp chili flakes, half tsp Himalayan salt, half tsp garlic powder, half teaspoon coriander, half teaspoon curry powder, 1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper and 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
4. Wake the spice mix up in a pan
This may need a bit of explanation. You can look at it this way: when you store the spice mix, the flavorings are nicely asleep. When you warm the flavorings briefly in a pan (this can be with or without oil) and shake them, they wake up. And tada, the flavor then comes forward more.
5. Store your spice mixes airtight and in a dark place
Have you made your spice mix and do you have a little left over? Then it's important that you store it properly (or use it up quickly ;-)). London Loy recommends storing the spice mixes for about 3 months. This way the flavor remains strong. When you notice your spice mix becoming hard, it's a matter of shaking well. Don't worry, you can just keep using it.
If you prefer convenience? Then our tasty, healthy and easy spice mixes are really for you.
Frequently asked questions about making spice mixes yourself
1. Why should I make a spice mix myself instead of buying ready-made?
Making a spice mix yourself means full control over the ingredients. Many supermarket varieties contain added sugars, salt or anti-caking agents. By making your own mix, you consciously choose pure herbs and spices without unnecessary additives.
2. How long can you store a homemade spice mix?
A homemade spice mix stays flavorful for about 3 months when stored airtight in a dark, dry place. Over time spices mainly lose their aroma, not immediately their safety.
3. Is it really better to use whole spices?
Yes, whole spices retain their aroma longer. By grinding them just before use in, for example, a coffee grinder, essential oils are released that provide a more intense flavor experience.
4. Do you always have to roast spices first in a pan?
Not always, but briefly warming in a dry pan can deepen the flavor. By briefly “waking” spices, aromas are released more quickly. Be careful that they do not burn, because that makes them bitter.
5. Can you use one spice mix for multiple dishes?
Absolutely. A ground meat spice mix, for example, can also serve as a dry rub for chicken, over roasted vegetables or in a tomato sauce. By varying creatively you get more out of one basic recipe.
