Salt-Free Southwest Seasoning Blend
Salt-free southwest spice blend for chili, tacos, rubs and grilled meat. Easy to adjust heat and store for months.
Chiles are the backbone of southwestern cooking. That's why this seasoning blends together five different types of chile pepper. Perfect for chili con carne, taco seasoning, BBQ rub, and just about any grilled or smoked meat.
Submitted by: Helen Smith from Sun City, California
Yield: About 2 cups seasoning
- A five-chile, salt-free mix made for chili, tacos, BBQ rubs and grilled or smoked meats.
- Control heat by changing cayenne, chipotle, paprika and black pepper amounts.
- Make a double batch, store airtight in a cool dark place or freeze to keep flavor longer.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use this seasoning blend for?
Use it anywhere you would use chili powder: chili con carne, tacos, burritos, beans, sauces, BBQ rubs, grilled fish, chicken and other meats. It is salt-free so add salt to taste when cooking.
How do I adjust the heat level?
Lower heat by omitting or reducing cayenne and chipotle and using sweet paprika. For mild use 0 cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon chipotle. For medium use 1 tablespoon cayenne and 1 teaspoon chipotle. For hot use the full 2 tablespoons cayenne plus 1 to 2 teaspoons chipotle and consider hot smoked paprika.
How much of the seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
A good starting point is 1 tablespoon per pound for a light seasoning and 2 tablespoons per pound for a bolder flavor. For a pot of chili try 2 to 3 tablespoons and then adjust to taste.
How do I toast and grind the cumin?
Heat a dry skillet over medium, add whole cumin seeds and shake or stir until they smell fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool, then grind in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Toasting deepens the flavor but skip it if using pre-ground cumin.
How should I store the blend and how long will it keep?
Keep the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. Use within 6 months for best flavor. Freezing a double batch in a sealed bag or jar will slow flavor loss and keep it longer.
Can I substitute pasilla chile powder if I cannot find it?
Yes. Use ancho or New Mexico chile powder as a mild, sweet substitute. You can also grind dried pasilla pods if you have them. Adjust other chile powders to balance heat and flavor.
Is this seasoning gluten-free and vegan?
The spices themselves are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Check labels on preblended items like chili powder or adobo seasoning to be sure they do not include gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination warnings.
What can I use this seasoning blend for?
Use it anywhere you would use chili powder: chili con carne, tacos, burritos, beans, sauces, BBQ rubs, grilled fish, chicken and other meats. It is salt-free so add salt to taste when cooking.
How do I adjust the heat level?
Lower heat by omitting or reducing cayenne and chipotle and using sweet paprika. For mild use 0 cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon chipotle. For medium use 1 tablespoon cayenne and 1 teaspoon chipotle. For hot use the full 2 tablespoons cayenne plus 1 to 2 teaspoons chipotle and consider hot smoked paprika.
How much of the seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
A good starting point is 1 tablespoon per pound for a light seasoning and 2 tablespoons per pound for a bolder flavor. For a pot of chili try 2 to 3 tablespoons and then adjust to taste.
How do I toast and grind the cumin?
Heat a dry skillet over medium, add whole cumin seeds and shake or stir until they smell fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool, then grind in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Toasting deepens the flavor but skip it if using pre-ground cumin.
How should I store the blend and how long will it keep?
Keep the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. Use within 6 months for best flavor. Freezing a double batch in a sealed bag or jar will slow flavor loss and keep it longer.
Can I substitute pasilla chile powder if I cannot find it?
Yes. Use ancho or New Mexico chile powder as a mild, sweet substitute. You can also grind dried pasilla pods if you have them. Adjust other chile powders to balance heat and flavor.
Is this seasoning gluten-free and vegan?
The spices themselves are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Check labels on preblended items like chili powder or adobo seasoning to be sure they do not include gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination warnings.
The bomp on any meat that would even be corn beef. I will use this in my next cook off.