4 spice mix recipes from around the world that are easy to make

Image credit: Shantanu Pal

Ready. Set. Grind!

With just a few ingredients, a pestle and mortar and some elbow grease you can create an array of spice mixes that can open doors to new recipes from around the world. Using a food blender or special spice/coffee bean grinder works too. 

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Moroccan spice mix recipe

Make your own Moroccan spice mix - sometimes known as, "Ras el hanout", which translates to top of the shop!  

Ingredients to make 30g Moroccan spice mix:

• 3 tbsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp black pepper seeds
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp ground turmeric
• 1 whole cinnamon stick  (about 5cms) or equivalent length in cassia bark
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried ginger
• 3 cloves
• 1 star anise

Method

You have the option to toast the spices before you grind them - although this is not necessary. Toasting or roasting spices changes the way they taste so have a go at both methods and see which results you prefer. 

1. To toast - pre-heat a pan with no oil on a medium heat.  
2. Add all the whole spices (everything but the turmeric and paprika) to the pan.
3. Toast the spices for 3-5 minutes, or until aromas are released.
4. Remove spices from pan and allow to cool for 5 mins.
5. Grind whole spices into a fine powder.
6. Mix in the ground turmeric and paprika and store in an air tight jar.  

Tips:  Use it for soups, stews, tagines or rubs for meat and vegetables.
To enhance the flavour and destroy your budget add a pinch of saffron.
For some fantastic Moroccan recipes, take a look at our recipe page. 

Image: Boom Kitchen's Carl in a Moroccan souk in search of the perfect Moroccan spice mix.

Tandoori Time.

North Indian Tandoori spice mix recipe

Ingredients to make 30g Tandoori spice mix:

• 8 cloves
• 5 Kashmiri chillies - although you can experiment with other chillies
• 6 tbsp coriander seeds
• 8 whole black cardamom pods
• 4 sticks of cinnamon approx 5 cm each or equivalent length in cassia bark
• 2 tbsp ground turmeric

Method

Again, toasting is optional but we recommend it for this particular spice mix. 

1. To toast - pre-heat a pan with no oil on a medium heat.  
2. Add all the whole spices (everything but the turmeric) to the pan.
3. Toast the spices for 3-5 minutes, or until aromas are released.
4. Remove spices from pan and allow to cool for 5 mins.
5. Grind whole spices into a fine powder.
6. Mix in the ground turmeric and store in an air tight jar.  

Tips: A homemade Tandoori spice mix is the perfect way to infuse Indian flavour into your dish.

This Tandoori spice mix makes a great marinade for chicken or vegetables. Simply mix your tandoori spice mix with some yoghurt and lemon juice to form a paste and lather over your veg and meats for juicy kebabs and grilled dishes.

You can also use as a garnish to add a north Indian kick to sauces, salad dressings, nut mixes and sides like breads and rice pilafs.

Coming up Phatt-jitas!

Mexican spice mix recipe

Add some Me-hi-co flair to any dish you make with this easy to make Mexican spice mix - it’s a great way to bring some zest and flavour to your dishes! 

Ingredients to make 30g Mexican spice mix:

• 3 dried chipotle chillies
• 1 dried ancho chilli (you can substitute with 1tbsp of chilli flakes if you don't have our preferred mix)
• 4 tbsp coriander seeds
• 4 tbsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp Mexican dried oregano 

Learn: What's the difference between Mediterranean and Mexican oregano we hear you cry? Mediterranean oregano is a little more minty while Mexican oregano has hints of citrus and some liquorice notes.

Method

Again, toasting your spices is optional - we don't think it's entirely necessary for this one but toasting cumin and coriander seeds is something you should try at least once in your life.

1. If using a pestle and mortar chop your chilies up with a knife or pair of kitchen scissors first to save on elbow grease.
2. Grind whole spices into a fine powder.
3. Mix in the paprika and oregano and store in an air tight jar. 

Tips: Experiment with some different dried chillies - there are no rules!

Cajun fries! Got an air fryer? Sprinkle this mix over your chipped potatoes for mind blowing fries.

A bedrock ingredient for fajitas, enchiladas and tacos.

Brightens up a Chilli con carne - we recommend an extra whole chipotle and ancho chilli here.  

Goes great sprinkled over grilled steak, chicken and fish with a squeeze of fresh lime.

Works wonders as a dry rub for barbecuing – simply rub into your meat before cooking for smoky-hot flavours.  

Get ready to wok and roll with this...

Chinese szechuan spice mix recipe

This pic is of a Szechuan Pepper plant - beautiful isn't it? Making a Szechuan spice mix is an easy way to add some Chinese heat and flavour to your cooking. 

Ingredients to make 30g Szechuan spice mix:

• 2 tbsp Szechuan peppers
• 3 star anise
• 2 tbsp fennel seeds
• 5 cloves
• 1/2 tbsp black peppercorns
• 1 cinnamon stick (about 2.5 cms) or equivalent length in cassia bark
• 1/2 tsp salt

Method

1. To toast - pre-heat a pan with no oil on a medium heat. You can also oven roast on a baking tray for 4-5 minutes at 180°C.
2. Add all the whole spices to the pan.
3. Toast the spices for 3-5 minutes, or until aromas are released.
4. Remove spices from pan and allow to cool for 5 mins.
5. Grind whole spices into a fine powder.
6. Mix in the salt and store in an air tight jar.  

Tips: Did you know you can grow Szechuan peppers in the UK? Not to be mistaken with the black pepper that most of us have in our grinding mills. Black pepper is native to southern India so you'd be hard pushed to grow it in Blighty. However, the pokey red berries of the Szechuan pepper grow happily in most temperate climates. Here's what you need:

Chinese Szechuan Pepper (Zanthoxylum simulans)
Japanese Szechuan Pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum)

Szechuan Spice Mix can be used for stir-fries or added to sauces for an extra kick.

It goes especially well with chicken, pork and prawn dishes.

Make your own Szechuan paste by combining some of the spice mix with some garlic, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, honey and tomato ketchup - perfect for creating delicious marinades! 

Want more?

We're only scratching the surface of world spice blends with these 4 spice mixes.

We'll add more. In the mean time If you’re looking for tasty recipes from around the world head over to our recipes section.