Updated 31st January, 2021
Many spices and herbs have wonderful healing properties. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, while chilli has been shown to reduce cholesterol and clear congestion. Cardamom is a good source of minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium as well as containing high levels of iron and manganese. Cumin is also a great source of iron and assists with digestion. Nutmeg is known to aid sleep while also protecting teeth and gums.
Herbs have also been used for hundreds of years in healing, before antibiotics came on the scene. Many such as oregano are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Herbs in the mint family are well known for their use as breath fresheners, but they also soothe the stomach and aid in digestion.
Parsley is another herb used to freshen the mouth due to its high levels of eugenol. Parsley and clove oils have long been used in dentistry as anaesthetic and anti-bacterial agents. Parsley is also highly nutritious, containing many minerals and vitamins.
So, while flavouring our food, herbs and spices are also helping us to digest it and nourishing our bodies at the same time. I love to use herbs and spices in my cooking, but prefer not to have the additives that are found in many commercial mixes. I’ve come up with a couple of my own mixes, one of which I’ve included here.
- 3 Tbsp sea salt
- 1 Tbsp celery salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp rice flour (150g arborio rice milled 1 minute 30 seconds on speed 10)
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chilli powder, ground black pepper, garlic powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cardamom
- Blend on 5 seconds/speed 5.
- Place in a jar and label.
- Sprinkle over whole chicken before roasting
- Coat wedges before baking or frying
- Sprinkle over grilled cheese
- Add some dried mint and sprinkle of roast lamb
- Add to flour used to coat schnitzels
- 4 Tbsp sea salt
- 2 Tbsp onion powder
- 2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp celery seeds
- 2 Tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp caster sugar
- 1 Tbsp rice flour
- ½ Tbsp ground nutmeg
- ½ Tbsp ground coriander
- ½ Tbsp dried thyme
- ½ Tbsp dried rosemary
- Add all ingredients and blend on 5 seconds/speed 8 .
- Place in a jar and label.
- Use on steak, wedges, roast vegetables etc.
The next recipe is a winner. It’s fantastic to use for Southern Fried Chicken or as a spice for wedges.
- 2 Tbsp ground white pepper
- 3 Tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp sea salt
- 2 Tbsp pizza herbs or oregano
- 2 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp rice flour (150g arborio rice milled 1 minute 30 seconds on speed 10)
- 1 Tbsp cumin, cardamom, ground cloves, garlic powder, allspice, celery seed
- Blend on 5 seconds/speed 5 .
- Place in a jar and label.
- Soak chicken in buttermilk seasoned with 1 Tbsp of Southern Fried Chicken Seasoning for at least two hours. Or, if short of time, simply use Greek Yoghurt thinned with a little water. Dip chicken pieces in, then dredge in flour mixture.
- Add 2 Tbsp to ½ cup flour to coat chicken pieces before shallow frying in rice bran oil.
This one another of my own creations and can be adapted to suit your taste. Like more chilli? Add more chilli flakes. Like more salt? Add more..
- 5 Tbsp onion flakes
- 1 ½ Tbsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ Tbsp paprika
- 1 ½ Tbsp beef stock powder - or use a seasoned salt
- 3 tsp garlic powder
- 2-3 tsp dried chilli flakes - 2 is enough for us
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp dried oregano or pizza herbs
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes (sometimes called bell pepper flakes - find in whole food stores)
- Put a piece of paper towel between the lid and bowl of the TMX bowl.
- Add everything expect the red pepper flakes.
- Blend for 20 sec/sp 10. Scrape down - be careful not to breathe in the dust!
- Add red pepper flakes and mix 5 sec/sp 5. Store in a clean glass jar.
- Use 2 Tbsp to 500g mince to make taco mince.
A delicious take on bought Greek seasoning. Add a little rice flour to keep it from sticking together.
- 4 tsp dried oregano
- 4 tsp dried basil
- 4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- Place all ingredients into the Thermomix and mix 3 sec/sp 5. Store in a jar.
Enjoy!
