[ THE ART OF SPICE BLENDING ]
A Dovetail Guide to Mastering Flavors
Welcome to a little corner of our world where we celebrate crafting our own rules. This is your guide to the aromatic, vibrant, and experimental world of spice blending. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious novice with a spice rack that’s collecting dust, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get blending!
Why Blend Your Own Spices?
Imagine crafting a signature scent that’s uniquely you. That’s what spice blends can do for your cooking - adding a personal touch to your dishes. Plus, blending your own ensures you’re using the freshest flavors possible. It’s like the difference between a live concert and a recording — both great, but one is just a tad more vibrant.
The Basics
The journey to a perfect spice blend starts with toasting and grinding your spices. Toasting wakes up the oils and aromas in the spices, making them more potent and flavorful. Just heat a dry pan over medium heat, toss in the spices (whole, if you can), and give them a gentle shake until they start to release their fragrance—this usually takes just a minute or two. After they’ve cooled, it’s time to grind. Whether you’re going old-school with a mortar and pestle or using a spice grinder, the goal is to unlock all those beautiful flavors.
Crafting Your Signature Mix
This is where your creativity shines. Start with a base like earthy cumin or zesty coriander, layer in complexity with smoky paprika or sharp black pepper, and perhaps a whisper of cinnamon or nutmeg for sweetness. Craving a kick? A sprinkle of cayenne or ginger should do the trick. Mix until it feels just right.
We’re all about celebrating creativity and sharing the journey. Crafted a blend that’s changed the way you cook? Share it with us and become part of our flavorful community.
Save This Cheat Sheet
Spice Blends
01. French Herbes de Provence
Ingredients: 3 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp dried savory, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp dried rosemary, 1 tbsp dried marjoram, 1 tbsp dried lavender flowers.
Uses: Sprinkle on grilled vegetables or mix into olive oil for a bread dip.
02. Greek Seasoning
Ingredients: 2 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tsp dried mint, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried marjoram, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper.
Uses: Use in marinades for lamb or chicken, or mix into Greek yogurt for a quick tzatziki.
03. Dovetail Signature Blend
Ingredients: 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp seasoning salt, 3/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp thyme, 3/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Uses: Everywhere
04. Moroccan Ras el Hanout
Ingredients: 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground cloves.
Uses: Use as a dry rub for lamb, chicken, or mixed into couscous.
04. Middle Eastern Za'atar
Ingredients: 3 tbsp sumac, 2 tbsp dried thyme, 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds, 2 tbsp dried marjoram, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp sea salt.
Uses: Sprinkle on hummus, mix with olive oil for a bread dip, or season meats.
05. Japanese Shichimi Togarashi
Ingredients: 1 tbsp ground red chili pepper, 1 tbsp ground szechuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp roasted orange peel, 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, 1 tbsp white sesame seeds, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tbsp nori seaweed flakes.
Uses: Sprinkle over udon noodles, soups, and grilled meats.
