This Mexican Spice is meant to cover your bases and basics! Here I share my most frequented go-to spice blend that frequents parsley, paprika, turmeric root, and cumin.
I list all my tips and tricks in the pantry for making flavor-packed comida, especially if you’re just starting to build your spice rack.
Try it first by making my Mexican rice recipe. Or, for a lightly salted recipe, try Easy-salt authentic rice.
Why You Make Your Own DIY Spice Blends
Adding individual spices saves monies and prevents extra sodium from entering our daily food choices. Plus, you’ll know what’s in your delicious food and mind, body soul via la spice mix. Nothing beats knowing exactly what you’re eating!
Pantry spices go far beyond simple salt and pepper in all cultural cuisines, especially here on our recipe blog. We strive to share how to achieve simple and delicious flavor with the ingredient tips that have been passed down.
Most times, we may think it’s just salt but theres often a bit more to it when developing. Taste, color, and a little umami go a long way in building up flavor.
Get Through the Spice Inventory
Get the spices out of the cupboard, gather them up and take inventory.
A few tips:
- It’s good to know what you already have
- Get rid of what’s expired
- Gift what’s not your thing to someone who will make use of it, or donate to your local food pantry. (if you don’t like it, and you’ve tried, it’s ok to let it go.)
- Now we can get to making some good food with the ingredients you’re good with.
Dried spice Ingredients
Grocery Quick List: Dried parsley flakes, ground cumin, ground turmeric root powder, paprika (optional).
- Parsley
- Cumin[o]
- Turmeric Root Powder
- Paprika
Erika’s hidden flavor pick: I use fresh garlic always, BUT a teaspoon of garlic powder is essential for hiding strong flavor of garlic from picky eaters. This means, definitely have garlic powder on hand. It will definitely get used up in rice/salsas/meats and beans. 🙂
Ingredient Notes / Homemade Flavor Variations
- Spice – Find the Fab-Four main spice ingredients I listed above to make this seasoning at local market / bodega in the spice section.
- Powder Seasonings – Packets of each are usually on a dedicated wall display and small business owned which is a bonus to support.
- I’m name dropping packets because they are the most economical, and travel friendly for outings. Each packet ranges at about 2-3 dollars each and are some of the best. Yes, even when comparing to shelf glass jar brands!
Pro Tip: Always check expiration or packaging dates. They should look fresh in color, the more vibrant (from my experience), the more better. I want the best flavor for you always!
- Parsley – can be swapped with coriander (dried cilantro) if that’s a spice you prefer. We all have a different hand in the kitchen, use what you love more of. That’s a bonus to knowing how much of each spice individually you’ll need of your homemade seasonings.
Steps To Make The Blend
Pro Tip: Leave the green herb flakes out if your cooking style varies. You may not want green flake specs in certain dishes (for example, if you make Arroz Blanco or Yellow Rice, or Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice, you decide if the green flakes would bother you). This is your heads up!
- In a small jar combine ingredients and gently shake.
- Larger parsley flakes will sit at the top and grounded will shake to the bottom.
- Use 1 tablespoon of spice blend for every 4 cups liquid. Split as needed.
Other Spices In The Kitchen
Here is a list of the additional spices in our pantry for everyday cooking to more advanced authentic dishes.
- Dried Bay Leaf
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Basil
- Dried Tomato powder (if your are lucky and have access)
- Dried Garlic (if fresh is not available)
- Sesame Seeds
- Cumin Seeds
- Smoked Paprika
- Dried Onion (if fresh is not available)
- Thyme
- Cloves
- Dried Ginger Root (so good)
- Homemade Dried Epazote
- Homemade Celery Salt
We don’t make everything with the same flavor! That’s the beauty of creating your own and knowing the flavor you love.
Build your pantry spice options as you go, it takes time and is a process. Happy to help you!
Ways To Flip [DIY Spices]
Wondering what dishes to make with the range of spices, here’s some of our favorites
- Mexican Vegetables
- Recaudo
- Taco Meat Seasoning (carne asada and chicken)
- Salsas: Salsa Verde, Salsa Guacamole, and Salsa Ranchera.
- Seasoning in Star Sopita Soup
- Lentil Soup
And more..
- Seasoning for Cocido
- Mexican Calabacitas
- Minestrone
- Seasoning for Caldo De Pollo
- Savory Rice Seasoning
- Seasoning for Chili Beans
- Yellow Mexican Rice
PSA: IMO, Using your own DIY Spice mix is the healthiest option for curbing sodium from your meals and daily dietary needs.
Pro Tips / Receta Notes
- Recipe yield: 1/2 cup seasoning, 24 teaspoons.
- Add the salt as you go. We don’t add the salt in the base mix because each dishes salt content will always vary.
- Find the 4 main ingredients at local market / bodega in the spice section. Spice packet displays on the wall are the most economical.
- Always use a clean spoon, this will keep your spice blend clear from any contamination. Let’s stay happy and healthy!
Please star rate this Mexican Spice Mix Recipe. Your stars and shares Help Us reach Comida Makers. Thank you!
Follow LatinasQueComen
Mexican Spice Mix
DESCRIPTION
Equipment
- Jar with lid, or spice jar.
- Measuring spoon or teaspoon
- Wax paper / paper
Ingredients
- 24 tsp Parsley Flakes extra fine
- 12 tsp Ground Cumin
- 6 tsp Paprika
- 3 tsp Ground Turmeric
Instructions
- Keep every spice in original packaging within a safe food storage and use a measuring spoon with each recipe. OR transfer to spice jar for easy handling.
- Open pack of dry parsley. While in the wrapper or with the clean palms of your hands, break up the parsley so the flakes are finer. If you don't mind large flakes leave as is.
- Use a funnel or piece of paper if using small spice jar. Combine all ingredients into a bowl and transfer into jar or spice shaker.
- Use 1 teaspoon of seasoning for every 1 cup of dried rice / beans, and in salsas, soups or as a dry rub for meat.
Notes
- Recipe yield: 1/2 cup seasoning, 24 teaspoons!
- Add the salt of your meal cooking as you go. We don’t add the salt in the base mix because each dishes salt content will always vary. This way you are in control of the sodium in all your meals.
- Using only DIY spice mix is enough to make your spanish rice recipes even if you don’t have tomato sauce. However, the color and tomato rich flavor will lack and be pale.
- For Authentic Mexican Restaurant style rice use both tomato sauce and spice blend.
- Spice packets: Find the 4 main ingredients at local market / bodega in the spice section. Spice packets on the wall are usually the most budget-friendly.
- Always use a clean spoon / measuring spoon, this will keep your spice blend clear from any contamination. Let’s stay happy + healthy!
Please visit the full post at the LatinasQueComen website to see all tips and inspiration of what foods to make with this Mexican Spice Mix!
Nutrition
Equipment
- Bowl
- Funnel or DIY a paper funnel (super helpful!)
- Jar with lid or spice jar.
- Measuring spoons
If You Loved This Recipe…
Try these too! They were created with the same amount of love.