Fiesta in a Jar Homemade Mexican Rice Seasoning
Table of Contents
Fiesta in a Jar: Homemade Mexican Rice Seasoning
Ever rummaged through your spice rack wondering what to use on that bland rice? Honestly, this happened to me last week.
I needed something to spice up my Mexican dinner . My solution? A vibrant, homemade Mexican rice seasoning mix.
Taste the Southwest at Home
This isn't just any spice rub for Mexican food . It's a flavour explosion that brings the zesty tastes of Mexico to your kitchen.
The aroma is a pure delight. Make your rice dishes and taco nights amazing. This southwest spice mix is way better than store-bought stuff.
It's super easy and will last for ages if stored correctly.
What’s the Big Deal About This Seasoning?
Good question! This authentic Mexican rice seasoning is ready in 5 minutes. Seriously! It’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe yields about 1/2 cup.
Enough to liven up lots of meals. The main benefit? It’s packed with flavour. It also lets you control the salt and spice levels.
That's a major plus if you ask me. It also tastes great on many rice side dishes .
Why You'll Love This Homemade Goodness
Making your own DIY Mexican seasoning is a game changer. You dodge all those sneaky additives found in pre-made blends. Plus, you know exactly what’s going in it.
Did you know that studies have shown that cooking at home is good for your health. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s ditch the processed stuff and embrace the joy of homemade flavour.
Gathering Your Fiesta Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our troops. You'll need:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Don't skip the smoked paprika. It makes a big difference. For a Mexican rice easy recipe, you can adjust ingredients to your taste. Grab some measuring spoons and let’s get started.
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty! Making your own Mexican Rice Seasoning is way easier than you think.
Honestly, once you've tried it, you'll never go back to the shop bought stuff. Plus, you know exactly what's going in it.
How amazing is that?
Ingredients & Equipment
Want to know more about what you need? This part is essential. We are doing Authentic Mexican Rice !
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need, measured out perfectly for a flavour explosion:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (15 ml)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (10 ml)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder (10 ml)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed (5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (2.5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (2.5 ml)
When it comes to chili powder, go for a good quality one. It makes a difference. Cheaper ones can be a bit bland.
And don't skip the smoked paprika. It gives it that lovely smoky flavour.
Seasoning Notes
This Homemade Mexican Spice Blend is all about hitting the right notes. Cumin and chili are the base, but don't forget the garlic and onion powder. They add a lovely depth.
Fancy a bit of a kick? Add the cayenne pepper. But go easy! It can be quite fierce. No smoked paprika? A tiny, tiny drop of liquid smoke in regular paprika will do in a pinch.
Also, if you are looking for some Taco Seasoning Recipe , just increase the chili powder amount.
Equipment Needed
You really don't need much for this. Less than what you'd need for "Bake Off" level showstoppers, that's for sure!
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Airtight jar or container
No fancy gadgets needed here! If you don't have a whisk, a spoon will do just fine. For storing, an old jam jar is great.
You can create your own DIY Mexican Seasoning !
Right, that's all the ingredients and equipment covered. Next, we'll get to the fun part: mixing it all up!
Fiesta in a Jar: Homemade Mexican Rice Seasoning
Honestly, are you tired of those bland supermarket spice packets? Me too! This homemade Mexican Rice Seasoning is a game changer.
It's a flavor explosion that's super quick to make and ten times tastier. Think of it as your secret weapon for killer Authentic Mexican Rice .
You know? It's like when Mary Berry gives you a knowing nod on The Bake Off .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!
First things first, get your spices ready. Think of it like prepping your paints before you create a masterpiece. You'll need: 2 tablespoons chili powder , 1 tablespoon ground cumin , 1 tablespoon smoked paprika , 2 teaspoons garlic powder , 2 teaspoons onion powder , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1 teaspoon kosher salt , 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander , and optional 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper .
Safety tip: Don't sneeze into the spices!
step-by-step to Spice Heaven
- Combine: Grab a small bowl. Chuck in all the spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, coriander, and cayenne (if you're feeling brave).
- Whisk: Give it a good whisk. Make sure everything's mixed well. No one wants a lump of paprika.
- Taste Test: Now, this is important. Have a little taste. Adjust the homemade Mexican spice blend to your liking. More cayenne for heat? Go for it!
- Store: Find an airtight jar. Transfer your Southwest Spice Mix . It'll keep for ages, well, up to 6 months, if stored properly.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Spice Game
Want to take your DIY Mexican seasoning to the next level? My top tip: use fresh spices. It makes a massive difference! Also, don't skip the smoked paprika.
It adds a wonderful depth of flavour.
Common mistake? Not storing it properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place. This makes a HUGE difference.
Did you know? Mexican cuisine is one of the most popular in the world, with global sales estimated at over 50 billion dollars annually.
So there you have it. A banging Taco Seasoning Recipe . Use it on rice, tacos, fajitas anything that needs a kick.
This Mexican Rice Easy recipe will change your life. Enjoy your Rice Side Dishes and Mexican Dinner , you legend!.
Recipe Notes for Your Fiesta in a Jar
So, you've got your Fiesta in a Jar : Homemade Mexican Rice Seasoning ready to go. Ace! Before you start sprinkling it on everything (which, honestly, you'll want to), let's talk about some tips and tricks.
This is where things get personal. I once accidentally used way too much cayenne. Whoa, talk about fire! Learning from my mistakes so you don't have to.
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just Rice!
Plating and Presentation Ideas: Listen up. Think colour! Sprinkle your Authentic Mexican Rice with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve it in a terracotta bowl, for that rustic vibe. Ooh-la-la!
Complementary Sides or Beverages: This Mexican Rice Easy recipe screams for a good Mexican beer. Or maybe a tangy margarita? Side dishes? Elote (Mexican street corn) is a winner.
Also, some black beans wouldn't hurt.
Storage Tips: Keep That Flavour Fresh!
Refrigeration Guidelines: No need to refrigerate this beauty! Just keep it in a cool, dark cupboard. That way, the homemade Mexican Spice Blend will last longer.
Freezing Options (If Applicable): You can't freeze a dry spice mix. It's just not a thing.
Reheating Instructions: N/A It's a spice blend, not a meal!
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Dietary Adaptations: Watching the salt? No worries. Reduce or skip it altogether. You could also switch it for pink Himalayan salt.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Okay, it’s a spice mix. But get this: For a winter warmer, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves! Sounds weird, tastes awesome.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Pinch
Simplified Nutrition Information: One teaspoon gives you a small punch. Mostly flavor, with minimal calories. About 5 calories , mostly from the spices.
Key Health Benefits: Spices are loaded with antioxidants. Plus, this DIY Mexican Seasoning lets you control the sodium. That's better than the shop bought stuff, innit?
Ready to make some proper Mexican Dinner ? Honestly, making your own Southwest Spice Mix is a game changer! Your Mexican Rice Recipes and tacos will never be the same.
Time to say adios to bland and hello to fiesta! Now, go forth and create something amazing with your Taco Seasoning Recipe and the Spice Rub for Mexican Food !
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Mexican Rice Seasoning, and what makes it so special?
Think of Mexican Rice Seasoning as the secret ingredient that transforms plain rice into a fiesta! It's a blend of warm, savory spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano, designed to give your rice (or anything else, really!) that authentic, zesty Mexican flavor.
It's like a culinary passport to flavor town, without the jet lag.
How much of this homemade Mexican rice seasoning should I use when cooking rice?
As a general rule of thumb, start with about 1-2 tablespoons of Mexican rice seasoning per 1 cup of uncooked rice. Give it a good stir and taste as it cooks; you can always add a little more if you're after a bolder flavor. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Taste as you go, like Goldilocks, until it's just right.
Can I adjust the heat level in this Mexican rice seasoning recipe? I'm a bit of a chilli wimp!
Absolutely! The cayenne pepper is what brings the heat, so feel free to reduce the amount or leave it out altogether if you prefer a milder flavor. If you're feeling brave, you could even experiment with adding a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
It's all about customising it to your own tastes - like choosing your own adventure, but with spices!
How long will this homemade Mexican rice seasoning last, and what's the best way to store it?
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place (like your spice cupboard), your homemade Mexican rice seasoning will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months. Just like good wine, spices are sensitive to light and heat.
Make sure the container is properly sealed - this is key to keeping the flavours potent!
I'm on a low-sodium diet. Can I still enjoy this Mexican rice seasoning?
Yes, absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be lower in sodium. Simply reduce the amount of salt or omit it entirely. You can also use a salt substitute if you like. Don't be afraid to amp up the other spices, like the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, to compensate and maintain that delicious flavor.
It's all about balancing the spices to your liking!
Besides rice, what else can I use this Mexican rice seasoning on?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! This seasoning is fantastic on tacos, fajitas, grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables (especially corn and sweet potatoes), or even sprinkled over popcorn for a fun twist. You can also stir it into dips like sour cream or guacamole.
It's the ultimate flavour enhancer to add that Mexican magic to just about anything the Jamie Oliver of spice mixes, if you will!
Fiesta In A Jar Homemade Mexican Rice Seasoning
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 5 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | Less than 1g |
| Fiber | Less than 1g |