If you follow this blog, you'd know that my recipes always ask that you use your favorite spice mix. I believe in being able to adjust recipes to suit your taste and spices, no matter how little we use will affect the final meal. I am also a proponent of natural spices and herbs because I believe when they are used well, they elevate the flavor of the dish. You are guaranteed that whenever you use fresh herbs you're introducing more freshness and flavor into your dishes. This can be said also for dried herbs and spices. It is imperative that we shift from artificial seasoning to natural spices because they are healthier and more flavorful, at least that's what I believe. That said, this is one of my favorite spice mixes. It works with everything; I call it my all purpose spice mix and you can't go wrong with this. There is a tablespoon of cardamon seeds in here and though it makes for a very fragrant spice mix, you can leave it out if you can't find it. I’d urge you though to try and locate green cardamon pods, you require two tablespoons of the pods to give you 1 tablespoon of the seeds. The usual suspects are here also, thyme, rosemary, cumin, oregano, parsley etc. This spice mix is a flavor bomb and it also makes for a beautiful present.

Merry Christmas!

All the herbs are dried

Recipe

what you need

• 2 tablespoons cumin

• 3 tablespoons dried thyme

• 1/4 cup fennel seeds

• 3 tablespoons dried parsley 

• 2 tablespoons dried sage (optional)

• 2 tablespoons dried oregano 

• 1/4 cup anise/aniseed

• 1/4 cup fenugreek (if available)

• 1/4 cup rosemary 

• Because ground spices lose their intensity pretty quickly, I recommend halving this recipe unless making big batches of food. I also recommend storing ground spices for a couple of weeks or a month maximum.

Directions

Toast the cumin, fennel, thyme and rosemary until fragrant, about 3 mins on low heat. Let it cool down and then blend together with the other herbs. Pour cooled seasoning in an airtight jar.

Use in stews, soups, rubs, marinades etc. It works with everything and it's exceptionally delicious with pork, seafood and chicken.