Chances are you already have most every ingredient on hand in your spice cabinet. And while this blend has quite a few, you can certainly omit or include your favorites.

Speaking of spice cabinets.

During quarantine I organized ours alphabetically. It actually works pretty well for us EXCEPT when someone brings a new spice to the mix. Then there’s a whole lotta shuffling going on!

How do you organize your spices? I’m totally open to a new solution. I’d love for you to leave me a comment below.

I’m working on a new recipe today and reached for the bottle of Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb seasoning. It is without a doubt my go-to blend. It was time to make a big batch at home.

The picture above probably best illustrates why I like to make my own seasoning blends. I included 17 different spices in this one.

We have SOOO many individual jars that it just makes sense. Not only will it help me use up spices we already own (keeping them fresh), but it will save me roughly $3.00. I’ll take it!

I use this blend in soups, on sauteed and roasted veggies, in my chicken rub, and multiple dressings & vinaigrettes. It’s so versatile and easily delivers wonderful layers of flavor.

Here’s how I broke it down!

Spice Blend Ingredients

The main components are dried garlic & onion, as well as garlic & onion powder.

According to the label on a jar of Mrs. Dash the next ingredient is the “Spice” blend which consists of pepper, parsley, fennel, basil, bay marjoram, savory, thyme, cayenne, coriander, cumin, mustard, rosemary, celery seed.

The final ingredients in the blend are carrot, orange peel and spice extracts.

I was pleasantly surprised to find we owned fennel, savory and orange peel. However I also omitted four items: bay, marjoram, carrot and spice extracts.

In a side by side taste comparison this homemade seasoning blend is pretty darn close to the original.

Feeling good!

Here are a few other spice blends you might enjoy!

Braai South African Spice Blend

Tandoori Spice Blend

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Mardi Gras Seasoning

Homemade Taco Seasoning

For recipes that include this Garlic & Herb Seasoning Blend you can start with our Meatball Roundup. It’s a staple ingredient in most of these recipes.

Do you have a favorite seasoning blend that you’d like us to recreate. Drop me a comment below and we’ll get busy!

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook!

All my best,
xo Libby

Print

Garlic & Herb Seasoning Blend

I use this blend in soups, on sautéed and roasted veggies, in my chicken rub, and multiple dressings & vinaigrettes. It's so versatile and easily delivers wonderful layers of flavor.

Keyword Seasoning Blend

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried minced garlic
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon bay I omitted
• 1 teaspoon marjoram i omitted
• 1 teaspoon savory
• 1 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2 teaspoon orange peel
• I omitted carrot & spice extracts

Instructions

• Combine all spices in an air tight container.

The post Make Your Own Garlic & Herb Seasoning Blend appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

Are you looking for new flavor inspiration for chicken?

Asian Marinade

Description: Sesame, Ginger, and Soy are the star ingredients in our Asian Marinade. Rice Vinegar and Chili Crisp Oil bring the acid and heat, while garlic is the key aromatic. This marinade is generally mellow, yet smells and taste like your favorite Asian dishes.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos), 3 Tbl. sesame oil, 2 Tbl. rice vinegar, 1 Tbl. chili crisp oil (or sriracha hot sauce), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch piece fresh ginger (peeled & minced)

Instructions: Combine marinade ingredients in a zipper top bag or large bowl. Add chicken and turn pieces to coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator according to guidelines below. Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before cooking, about 15 minutes.

Time to Marinate: It’s best to give chicken breasts 5-6 hours, chicken thighs will take on flavor in as little as 30 minutes but up to 2 hours, and whole chickens can be marinated overnight. For shrimp or salmon a quick 15-20 minute marinade is sufficient.

Recipe Suggestions: Asian Chicken Salad, Sticky Asian Drumsticks, Spicy Thai Chicken Thighs

South African Marinade

Description: South African Braai Spice Blend is the star of this marinade/paste. Smoky paprika, garlic and basil delight your senses, while the vinegar brings acid and the lemon juice brings a nice citrus undertone. Olive oil is added to bring the paste together.

Ingredients: 3-4 Tbl. South African Braai Seasoning (equal parts smoked paprika, dried basil, and granulated garlic, plus coarse sea salt), juice of a lemon, 2 Tbl. white vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil (more or less for desired consistency).

Instructions: Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Throughly coat chicken pieces on all sides. Place in a covered bowl to marinate in the refrigerator according to guidelines below. Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before cooking, about 15 minutes.

Time to Marinate: It’s best to give chicken breasts 5-6 hours, chicken thighs will take on flavor in as little as 30 minutes but up to 2 hours, and whole chickens can be marinated overnight. For shrimp or salmon a quick 15-20 minute marinade is sufficient.

Recipe Suggestions: Peri Peri Chicken, South African Chicken Kebabs, Smoky Chicken Wings

Southwest Marinade

Description: Chili powder, cumin and ground oregano pack the 1-2-3 punch in this marinade and are a classic lively Southwest and Mexican spice combo. Lime juice brings the acidic element balanced by smooth olive oil. While cilantro adds a bright freshness to this marinade. This marinade brings a gentle heat but more of nicely balanced spicy flavor.

Ingredients: 1 Tbl. chili powder, 1 Tbl. ground cumin, 1 tsp. ground oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 3 Tbl. fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup rough chopped fresh cilantro.

Instructions: Combine marinade ingredients in a zipper top bag or large bowl. Add chicken and turn pieces to coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator according to guidelines below. Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before cooking, about 15 minutes.

Time to Marinate: It’s best to give chicken breasts 5-6 hours, chicken thighs will take on flavor in as little as 30 minutes but up to 2 hours, and whole chickens can be marinated overnight. For shrimp or salmon a quick 15-20 minute marinade is sufficient.

Recipe Suggestions: Southwest Burrito Bowls, Southwest Salmon Salad, Santa Fe Chicken Pasta

Mediterranean Marinade

Description: The fresh herbs aromas and flavors of oregano and rosemary take center stage, while garlic tucks in for a little extra punch. Fresh lemon juice and red wine vinegar bring acid balanced by extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Mediterranean marinade is bursting with fresh herb and citrus flavors. Yes, it’s great for tenderizing chicken but feel free to dip a piece of crusty bread into this wonderful flavor combination.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup EVOO, juice of a lemon, 2 Tbl. red wine vinegar, 2-3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped rosemary and oregano, 1 tsp. dried oregano, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. black pepper. Variation: whisk these ingredients into a cup of Greek yogurt which helps to tenderize chicken.

Instructions: Combine marinade ingredients in a zipper top bag or large bowl. Add chicken and turn pieces to coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator according to guidelines below. Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before cooking, about 15 minutes.

Time to Marinate: It’s best to give chicken breasts 5-6 hours, chicken thighs will take on flavor in as little as 30 minutes but up to 2 hours, and whole chickens can be marinated overnight. For shrimp or salmon a quick 15-20 minute marinade is sufficient.

Recipe Suggestions: Whole Roasted Greek Chicken, Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs, Greek Salad with Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Peruvian Marinade

Description: Ground cumin, dried oregano and smoky paprika play so nicely in this South American marinade/paste. Fresh lemon juice brings the acid with a hint of citrus, while garlic and olive oil balance the flavor profile. The spices are meant to be the star and the paprika brings the signature red color to the dish.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil, juice of a lemon, 2-3 cloves minced garlic, 2 Tbl. smoked paprika, 1 Tbl. dried oregano, 1 Tbl. ground cumin, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. black pepper.

Instructions: Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Throughly coat chicken pieces on all sides. Place in a covered bowl to marinate in the refrigerator according to guidelines below. Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before cooking, about 15 minutes.

Time to Marinate: It’s best to give chicken breasts 5-6 hours, chicken thighs will take on flavor in as little as 30 minutes but up to 2 hours, and whole chickens can be marinated overnight. For shrimp or salmon a quick 15-20 minute marinade is sufficient.

Recipe Suggestions: Spatchcocked Peruvian-Style Chicken, Whole Roasted Peruvian-Style Chicken, Peruvian-Style Chicken & Rice

Of all 5 Favorite Quick & Easy Chicken Marinades, what’s your favorite? I’d love for you to comment below.

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best, Libby

The post 5 Favorite Quick & Easy Chicken Marinades appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

This morning when I fired up my laptop and logged into Lemony Thyme I was greeted by our first non family, friend, or spam comment.  Ha! I had goose bumps.  This person had found us searching for Patty Pan squash recipes.  And of all the choices she took the time to read our recipe.  And then she went on to read other posts and ultimately commented on our North African Lamb Kabob post.  It was a great comment too.  She shared that to get even deeper flavors from my spices that I try lightly toasting and then grinding my cumin and coriander from whole seeds, something she learned from the book “The Dance of Spices” which I shall seek out. 

Reading her comments and suggestions made me realize that I had been so focused on getting to know my fresh herbs that I had been neglecting my spices.  At that moment I committed to making Spice Exploration my winter project (when my fresh friends are less abundant).  The thought of it makes me happy.  The phone rang…Shelby, inviting me to her new place for some Sunday time together.  Still warm and fuzzy from the spices comment, I read it out loud to her.  She joyfully exclaimed…You’ve been found!!

So now on to the Great Day.  First mission, find somewhere different to have lunch.  We drove past several options that were either too busy with the Sunday crowds or too ordinary or too…just not feeling it.  After driving in circles we agreed on “new” vs. different and chose the newly opened Tin Lizzy’s Cantina.  They had a vast Margarita list (we chose Grapefruit) and $3.00 Tacos (we chose Spicy Fish with lime vinaigrette, Grilled Shrimp with Asian slaw, Super Greek with gyro meat and tzatziki sauce, and Fried Fish Tacos with poblano tartar sauce).  Definitely made a good choice.  We left there inspired to create new AND different tacos (and Margaritas) at home very soon.

Next mission, find Shelby a used Feng Shui book at Goodwill.  Piece of cake, we found three to choose from and some amazing vintage necklaces at the jewelry counter….score!!  On to Barnes & Noble…just to be sure “The Dance of Spices” isn’t on the shelf calling my name.  No such luck, needs to be ordered.  (note:  I’ve had to start a ‘cooking wish list’ since I’m finding so many great things I’m sure I can’t live without.  I’ll share my list just in time for Christmas).  I will add this book and the one I found on one bite appetizers to the list.

Last stop (or so we thought) Trader Joe’s for some Shelby staples for the week.  The parking lot was jam packed which forced us to park at the other end of the plaza, directly in front of Penzeys Spices.  Wait…Penzeys Spices?!  Could this be the same store one of my favorite bloggers, Naturally Ella, brags about?  And after committing earlier today to Spice Exploration…the only parking space happens to be smack in front of this glorious, most amazing store?  How could I have not known this was here?? (opened less than a year earlier and is the only Penzeys in Georgia)  Destiny I tell you!!  We spent at least an hour sniffing almost all of their 250+ spices, seasonings, and extracts.

I chose only three to take home with me, knowing that we LOVED this place and we’d be back.  They have a wonderful catalog online if you’re not fortunate enough to have a Penzeys near you.

We also bought matching magnetic bumper stickers.  Love People. Cook them tasty food.

These are the lunches and thrift store finds and destiny happenstances that make a Great Day!!

I went home and toasted some coriander seeds, ground them fine, and added a heaping tablespoon to our African Chicken Peanut Stew from Simply Recipes.  Glorious.  The exploration has begun. 

The post It Was a Great Day {Sundays with Shelby & Spice Exploration} appeared first on Lemony Thyme.