Learn how to make your very own homemade version of a multi purpose seasoning blend using a handful of herbs and spices that are a total game changer for meat and vegetable dishes.
I'm so happy to share this spice mix with my lovely readers and do you want to know why I'm thrilled?
Well simply because this recipe is a staple if you're a true die hard foodie like moi. I cannot believe it has taken me so long to finally add this recipe to the blog.
Like so many people I'm not a huge fan of purchasing pre-blended seasoning, reason being because the vast majority tend to include E numbers, or some type of additives and/preservatives.
Most of the time I have no clue what the ingredient is or how to pronounce it.
What is all purpose seasoning?
This seasoning is made using a combination of herbs and spices mix together.
The spice blend is largely embraced within the Caribbean Community and is a must have pantry staple item.
It's so diverse that it can be used to enhance the flavour of almost any of your savoury dishes (meat, veg or poultry).
A relative of mine was kind enough to buy me a spice grinder a few years ago. Since I have had this grinder I pretty much use it to make a plethora of spice blends.
Wet rubs and powdered sugar just to name a few so my grinder gets used bi weekly at the minimum.
I recently made this Homemade Fish Masala Powder and this Beef Stew Seasoning Mix which has been going down like a real treat.
Anyway, let's talk more about the recipe post. You'll probably be familiar with the taste of each ingredient as you've most likely have used them individually at some point during your culinary adventure.
Ingredients you will need
- Paprika
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Black Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Thyme
- Pimento
- Chilli
- Coconut sugar
- Pink Salt
The addition of coconut sugar
I chose to include coconut sugar to balance things out, don't worry it won't have any impact on the final product.
If you're not comfortable with using any sugar, simply omit or reduce the amount but I really think the sugar counterbalances the heat from the chilli and saltiness from the pink salt.
Recipe uses
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Poultry
- Dips
- Salads
- Sauce you name it and you can include a teaspoon or tablespoon. It all depends on what you're cooking but the list is endless.
How to make all purpose seasoning
- Place all of the herbs and spices into a coffee/spice grinder (Picture 1).
- Mill everything into a fine consistency (Picture 2).
Notes and tips
- Use a glass jar to store the spice blend and keep it in a cool, dry place i.e pantry, cupboard.
- DO NOT store directly in the light as this will decrease the potency of the herbs/spices.
- Generally custom made blends last a long time. Feel free to check out my article on How to Store Herbs and Spices
- The use of coconut sugar is optional and helps to balance out the various herbs and spices.
- Feel free to double, triple or quadruple the batch, accordingly.
Recipes you may want to use this in
- Coconut Prawn Soup
- Turkey Neck Soup
- Jamaican Curry Goat
- Caribbean Style Caramelized Onions
- Saltfish Turn Cornmeal
- Curry Jackfruit Run Down
- Cabbage and Saltfish
- Jamaican Curry Chicken
Other Condiments to try
**Don't forget to comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Let's be friends and engage on Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**
Homemade All Purpose Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika dried
- 1 tablespoon garlic granules dried
- 1 tablespoon parsley dried
- 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper dried
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder dried
- 1 tablespoon thyme dried
- ¼ teaspoon chilli dried
- ⅛ teaspoon pimento (ground allspice/pimento)
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar can use raw cane sugar
- ½ tablespoon himalayan pink salt
Instructions
- Place all of the herbs and spices into a coffee/spice grinder
- Mill everything into a fine consistency.
- Store the seasoning in a glass jar in a dry place.
Notes
- Use a glass jar to store the spice blend and keep it in a cool, dry place i.e pantry, cupboard.
- DO NOT store directly in the light as this will decrease the potency of the herbs/spices.
- Generally custom made blends last a long time. Feel free to check out my article on How to Store Herbs and Spices
- The use of coconut sugar is optional and helps to balance out the various herbs and spices.
- Feel free to double, triple or quadruple the batch, accordingly.
Jennifer
Hi Charla,
I'm looking forward to making my batch of cabbage but wanted to verify the ingredients for the All Purpose seasoning. For the garlic, parsley and thyme. Are these meant to be fresh or dried versions? Garlic salt or powder? Chili powder? Pimento equivalent to ground Allspice? Just need to make sure I have everything on point 😉 Thanks in advance!
Charla
Hi Jennifer, thank you for reaching out to me. That's absolutely fine. I have just updated the ingredients list to clarify what I mean. The thyme, parsley and garlic are all dried. The garlic is granulated or you can use powder, it's not garlic salt that I used. Yes please use ground allspice (ground pimento). I hope that helps!
Roland
Charla you are amazing - you answer every question I have and I never have to leave your site. even when the question is a bit complicated! It’s such an amazing site. Curry goat being made in Western Australia tonight... fulfilling a long time craving!
Charla
Hi Roland. Thank you so so much. You're all the way from West Australia oh wow!, so glad I am able to assist you with your culinary needs. I do try to make my recipes as user friendly as possible.
Courtney
i love this recipe! I use it for my cow foot, oxtail, on chicken, in curry, on eggs, its so good!
Charla
Thank you so much Courtney. I'm so glad it's a winner!!
Andrea Metlika
I really like making homemade seasoning blends. This one is new for me and I can't wait to try it out.
Charla
Thanks Andrea. I hope you get around to making a batch.
Julia
This sounds like the perfect seasoning for fajitas 🙂
Charla
Yes. It definitely works for fajitas Julia.
Amy
Such a great recipe to have on hand!
Charla
Thank you!
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain
This spice blend sounds perfect for chicken dinners! Love all the tips you added about proper storage. I will defs add some coconut sugar - a bit of sweetness is always a good idea
Charla
Thanks Marie-Charlotte. Yes! The coconut sugar is a game changer for sure.
Jacqueline Meldrum
That would be so good in so many dishes. Thanks so much for the recipe. I have everything I need to make this blend too. Excellent.
Charla
You are so welcome Jacqueline
Jolie
Eager to try this spice blend out! Unfortunately I don't have a spice grinder though, but most of my spices are in ground form anyway, so I'll just try mixing them together. I know it's an all-purpose blend, but do you have any recommendations for meals/recipes that it pairs particularly well with?
Charla
Hi Jolie. I add the spice blend to Caribbean style stewed mackeral, Jamaican brown stew chicken, Haitian stew chicken, hot tuna salad.