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.
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.
What is all purpose seasoning?
In short it is a dry rub made from a combination of herbs and spices mixed together i.e thyme, parley, black pepper, pimento, garlic, allspice and so fourth.
The great thing about this seasoning blend is the ability to use a multitude of pretty much any herbs and spices (so long as they compliment each other.
All purpose seasoning is used throughout many cultures. However, this particular blend resonates a lot more of my Jamaican/Caribbean audience due to the inclusion of allspice (pimento).
You will find a lot of Jamaican cuisine that call for all purpose seasoning, it is household/pantry staple ingredient similar to the infamous Browning Sauce.
How to use this seasoning blend
The clue is in the name, all purpose, meaning you can use it for a plenthora of things.
As the seasoning is not dietary specific it can be used by both vegans and non vegans in many savoury dishes.
It can be used on lamb, chicken, beef, goat or even vegetables. You simply add the desired amount to optimise the taste.
With meat/poultry, you sprinkle on the amount that is needed prior to cooking.
When using it on vegetables it, you might want to do so before and after cooking them, depending on what you're making.
The amount you need is subjective, anything from a few teaspoons to tablespoons of the seasoning.
If you have been following my blog, then you will know I depend on this particular seasoning blend for MANY and I mean MANY of my recipes, it is the holy grail.
It works in curries, soups, stews or roasted/air fried vegetables, dips, salads, sauces etc...
Reasons to make your own seasoning from scratch
- It's fun, why buy, if you can make it from scratch!
- You have complete over what ingredients/amount go into it
- You can double triple the quantity to suit
- A great way to control your salt content
- No MSG, additives or preservatives
- Cost effective and convenient
- It's a great way to explore and learn about new flavours
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.
The steps
- Place all of the herbs and spices into a coffee/spice grinder
- Mill everything into a fine consistency
Notes and tips
- Use a glass jar (air tight container) to store the spice blend and keep it in a cool, dry place i.e pantry, cupboard.
- Feel free to add any additional herbs or spices i.e rosemary, turmeric, cumin, oregano etc..
- DO NOT store directly in the light as this will decrease the potency of the herbs/spices.
- Make sure you are using dry/dried ingredients for longevity, don't mix fresh and dry ingredients because it will lose its potency and possibly create mould by mixing the two and storing it.
- Generally custom made blends last a long time (several months to a year). 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.
- You can omit the pink salt if you need to, depending on what you're using it for.
- Feel free to double, triple or quadruple the batch, accordingly.
Recipes to try this seasoning with
- 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
- Seafood Seasoning
- Sazon Seasoning
- Caribbean Curry Sauce
- Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
- Cuban Mojo Marinade
- Green Seasoning
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Homemade All Purpose Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika dried
- 1 tablespoon garlic granules dried
- 1 tablespoon parsley dried
- 1½ 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 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.
Video
Notes
- Use a glass jar (air tight container) to store the spice blend and keep it in a cool, dry place i.e pantry, cupboard.
- Feel free to add any additional herbs or spices i.e rosemary, turmeric, cumin, oregano etc..
- DO NOT store directly in the light as this will decrease the potency of the herbs/spices.
- Make sure you are using dry/dried ingredients for longevity, don't mix fresh and dry ingredients because it will lose its potency and possibly create mould by mixing the two and storing it.
- Generally custom made blends last a long time (several months to a year). 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.
- You can omit the pink salt if you need to, depending on what you're using it for.
- Feel free to double, triple or quadruple the batch, accordingly.
Nutrition
Sarah says
Made stew chicken tonight but it was lacking the flavour I was going for as I used a vegetable seasoning I had in lieu of all purpose I'm confident this will fix the issue. Thank you for sharing this blend.
Charla says
Yes, my all purpose seasoning should fix your recipe.
Donalyn says
I love this type of homemade seasoning mix. I'll be getting this together this next week to put on some chicken I plan to grill. Can't wait!
Charla says
I'm excited for you!
Dina and Bruce says
This blend is perfect for so many things we make. Thank you.
Charla says
you are very welcome.
kushigalu says
Homemade seasoning is always the best. Thanks for the recipe,
Charla says
No problem Kushigalu
Jill says
Delicious blend of spices. I also had no idea that all spice was also known as pimento??
Charla says
Thanks Jill, yes it is! Not many people are aware of this!
Kim Watson-clarke Watson-clarke says
Fantastic recipes i love your home made seasonings. Really authentic flavours . Thank you x
Charla says
You are very welcome Kim.
Stephanie says
I would never have thought to make my own all-purpose seasoning blend. So glad I tried this recipe as it is so much better than anything I've purchased in the past. I can think of so many uses for this so I'm sure I'll have it on hand often.
Charla says
Thanks Stephanie
Jennifer says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
i love this recipe! I use it for my cow foot, oxtail, on chicken, in curry, on eggs, its so good!
Charla says
Thank you so much Courtney. I'm so glad it's a winner!!
Andrea Metlika says
I really like making homemade seasoning blends. This one is new for me and I can't wait to try it out.
Charla says
Thanks Andrea. I hope you get around to making a batch.
Julia says
This sounds like the perfect seasoning for fajitas 🙂
Charla says
Yes. It definitely works for fajitas Julia.
Amy says
Such a great recipe to have on hand!
Charla says
Thank you!
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says
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 says
Thanks Marie-Charlotte. Yes! The coconut sugar is a game changer for sure.
Jacqueline Meldrum says
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 says
You are so welcome Jacqueline
Jolie says
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 says
Hi Jolie. I add the spice blend to Caribbean style stewed mackeral, Jamaican brown stew chicken, Haitian stew chicken, hot tuna salad.