So often it’s the simple things made with run-of-the-mill pantry items that serve us best in the kitchen. Thanks to their ease, versatility, and great flavor, staples like classic balsamic vinaigrette, basic marinara, homemade Bisquick, and aptly-named “everything” sauce have found their way into many recipes in my kitchen and throughout this blog.
An amped up salt fits nicely into this category. And when you take a few minutes to combine ingredients you likely have sitting right in your spice cabinet in a way that closely replicates a store-bought counterpart, you’re likely cashing in on extra flavor and saving a few pennies at the same time.
I always attribute the fresher flavor of DIY versions to the absence of “extra” ingredients used to preserve a product or enhance its flavor or texture. Many people are watching their sodium intake these days, too, so adding a bevy of natural flavors to the salt by way of your spice cabinet makes a little salt go a longer way.
This flavorful mix can be stored in an airtight container or extra spice jar for several months and used on everything from burgers and roasted veggies to hard-boiled eggs and homemade Chex mix. In the coming days I will share a family-favorite side dish that’s enhanced by this versatile condiment. In the meantime, mix up a jarful and put baking potatoes and Parmesan cheese on your grocery list. : )
Homemade Seasoned Salt
Yield: a scant 3 tablespoons; double the recipe for a yield of approximately 1/3 cup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika*
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper and a pinch (1/16 teaspoon) cinnamon**
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Pour the mixture into a small jar or an empty spice bottle to store.
Notes
- * I have tried this blend with smoked paprika in place of regular paprika and it is good, although I would recommend using a scant 1/2 teaspoon unless you want the smoked paprika flavor to really stand out.
- ** This amount of cayenne pepper will add flavor without much heat, but feel free to use a pinch or omit altogether if preferred. Also, though the addition of cinnamon may seem strange, a tiny amount adds a subtle floral note similar to that of some store-bought blends.
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