Thursday Tip: Make Your Own Salt Free Seasoning Blends for Fall
One of the easiest ways to add flavor to salt-free cooking is to build seasoning blends around herbs and spices you already enjoy. Fall is especially good for this because so many warm spices and savory herbs pair beautifully with seasonal foods without relying on salt.
Making your own blends also gives you complete control over what goes into them. You can make a small batch, adjust it to your family's tastes, and keep your favorites ready for busy weeknight cooking.
Savory Fall Blend
This versatile blend works well with chicken, pork, roasted vegetables, potatoes, and winter squash.
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
2 teaspoons dried sage
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Combine well and store in an airtight container.
Warm Baking Blend
Keep this one handy for apples, pears, pumpkin, oatmeal, and fall baking.
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Combine thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
Smoky Harvest Blend
Try this blend with sweet potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, winter squash, chicken, or pork.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Mix well and store in an airtight container.
Make Them Your Own
Think of these blends as starting points rather than rules. If your family loves garlic, add a little more. If cloves are too strong for you, use less. Prefer some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper to the Smoky Harvest Blend.
That's one of the advantages of making your own seasoning blends. You control the ingredients and can adjust the flavor without automatically reaching for the salt shaker.
Keep Your Favorites Within Reach
Once you find a blend you use regularly, make a larger batch and keep it with your everyday spices. Small airtight spice jars make it easy to label, organize, and grab homemade blends while you're cooking.
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I especially like the look of this set of glass spice jars with bamboo lids because it includes labels and a funnel, which makes filling and organizing homemade blends simple.
Making a few seasoning blends ahead of time can make fall cooking easier while giving you another way to build flavor without relying on salt.
Looking for more ways to prepare flavorful meals without relying on salt? Sign up to receive our free 7 Days of Salt Free Dinners guide.