May 31, 2022

Tandoori Spice Mix

This spice blend from India gives an exotic twist to summer barbeques! Shake it onto beef, lamb, chicken, shrimp or swordfish before grilling. Benefits: The spices in this mix act as powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatories (especially ginger and turmeric which is enhanced by black pepper), antibacterials, and antiseptics (nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon). Cumin may even have potential antidepressant or anti-anxiety properties. Yields about 2/3 cup Ingredients 3 Tbs. ground ginger 3 Tbs. ground coriander seeds 1 Tbs. ground cumin 2 Tbs. Hungarian or Spanish paprika 1 Tbs. ground black pepper 2 tsp. sea salt 1½ tsp. ground turmeric 1½ tsp. ground […]
May 31, 2022

Chaat Masala Spice Blend for Beauty

You almost always find this simple spice blend in Indian homes where they add it to fruit salads or sprinkled onto melon. It’s also good when added to grilled chicken or fish. You can find amchur (dried mango powder) on Amazon.com and even in Wal-Mart. Benefits: Mangos have vitamin C which aids tissue regeneration because it’s a precursor to collagen; folate which promotes healthy red blood cell production and supports natural cell growth and replication; and cancer-fighting and immune-boosting carotenoid antioxidants. Yields about ¼ cup Ingredients 2 Tbs. cumin seeds, roasted for a minute over medium heat, then ground 1 […]
May 31, 2022

Brain-Boosting Berbere African Spice Blend

Berebere spice mix has been used in Africa in one form or another for many years. It originated in Ethiopia and/or Eritrea. It most commonly contains a mild to hot mix of chili peppers, coriander, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves. More authentic blends will include korarima, an Ethiopian cardamom instead of the Indian variety, along with nigella seeds and ajwain, another type of seed. I use this robust spice mix to flavor stir-fries, soups and stews. It packs some (but not too much) heat. Benefits: Fenugreek has choline which may support healthy brain function and memory. Chilies and […]
May 31, 2022

Spanish Rub

This bold, flavorful blend is great for any number of savory dishes. Try it on salmon, tofu, or chicken, or in stewed tomatoes. Health Benefits: Paprika is full of vitamin C, an antioxidant vitamin that helps the body resist infection, helps prevent cataracts, aids tissue regeneration, and may even help reduce your risk of cancer and stroke. The lemon peel also contains vitamin C as well as a little magnesium and iron. Yields about 1 cup Ingredients 6 Tbs. smoked paprika 3 Tbs. sweet Spanish or Hungarian paprika 3 Tbs. dried cilantro 2 Tbs. ground cumin 2 Tbs. coarse sea […]