Savory Seasoning to Sprinkle on any Meal!

February 21, 2018

Savory Seasoning to Sprinkle on any Meal!

For all those readers just interested in the food and not the food facts/story, skip down to the first picture and it will take you to the recipe! For those ready for the full crazy adventure....let's do this.

I don't want to name names but SOMEONE overdid it a little last week and is still paying for it this week. Oops. I guess making enough dinner and dessert for your husband's Platoon of hungry Marines that are just coming out of the field is not in the "resting" category...hmmmm. And I guess choosing to make 65 individual heart cut out cookies and decorating them with royal icing wasn't the easiest route I could have taken either. Weird. I don't want to say I'm stubborn but once I make my mind up.....

Okay enough about that. This easy to make recipe only has a tiiiiiiiny bit to do with the fact that I am a little rundown from heart cookie-ness. BUT it is an awesome recipe that can be sprinkled on anything to give your meal a healthy boost! It is from the "How Not to Die Cookbook" by Michael Greger M.D. (This cookbook is full of great ideas). It is a Savory Spice Blend that has health benefits while kicking up your food a notch with some wonderful and diverse flavors!

I have to admit, I was a little nervous to try this at first. It has a lot of spices and herbs that we were not used to adding into our food. AND it's not like you can only get a tiny bit of this and a tiny bit of that unless you have a nearby spice market. Which, shocker, does not exist in Camp Lejeune North Carolina! So you kinda have to go all in with this one. But I'm here to tell you...have no fear! This blend is awesome!!! And you will be glad you have extra spices to make another batch! In the cookbook, it recommends using this aromatic blend as a substitute for salt. So if you are trying to limit your daily intake, this can help with that as well! I have noticed a little salt with this goes a long way since it is so flavorful.

This seasoning even has my husband's stamp of approval. He LOVES it! I made the first batch a couple months ago and we are about halfway through it already! So I decided to make another batch and bring you along for the ride! It tastes great on so many things- meat, vegetables, eggs...you name it! I particularly love it on roasted vegetables and my husband is crazy for it in his weekend brunch egg omelets. (He's the breakfast master so he definitely knows!) Pretty awesome that a simple mix of spices can bring a healthy twist to any meal!

Here are A LOT of reasons (besides the deliciousness) of why you should give it a try:

(The listed information is from the book 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life by David Grotto R.D. unless otherwise stated)

-Nutritional Yeast. We talked about this awesome flaky addition in the popcorn blog. To recap, nutritional yeast contains all of the essential amino acids and is high in vitamin B. I think it tastes so delicious in this spice blend and really adds an incredible flavor to your dishes.

-Onion Powder. Onion powder is just dehydrated onions that have been ground up. (Be sure not to get onion salt!) Fresh onions contain the most health benefits but this seasoning still gives your body a small level of that healthy boost. Onions contain antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, aid in fighting cancer, lower cholesterol levels, are heart healthy, and are good for your bones.

-Parsley. Parsley is more than just a garnish! It contains vitamin C, iron, antioxidants, may aid in fighting cancer, may help diabetics in reducing blood glucose levels while increasing their cell protector levels, and helps stop bad breath!

-Basil. Basil contains antioxidants, anti-bacterial properties, is heart-healthy, improves circulation, may reduce the chance of blood clots forming, and boosts your immune system.

-Thyme. We all talk about needing more "thyme" in the day (haha) and we aren't wrong! Thyme contains vitamin A, iron, potassium, vitamin B, manganese, and vitamin C. Thyme has anti-fungal properties, can help to prevent viral infections, boost the immune system, contains antioxidants, improves circulation, is heart healthy, good for your eyes, and can help to reduces stress. BOOM! (information from organicfacts.net)

-Garlic Powder. Garlic powder is dehydrated garlic cloves that have been ground up. Fresh garlic is obviously the healthiest and most nutritious form, but the powder can still hold its own! Turning it into a powder extends its shelf life and you can easily sprinkle it on your food. Garlic powder still packs a punch by containing vitamin C, vitamin B, iron, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. It can help to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, fight cancer, reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and aid in digestion. (information from organicfacts.net)

-Mustard Powder. This powder contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, and antioxidants. It can help to prevent cancer, provide relief to respiratory issues or sinus problems, and is anti-bacterial. (information from organicfacts.net)

-Paprika. Paprika contains vitamin A, vitamin E, iron, and antioxidants. It aids in eye health and promotes healthy blood vessel function. (information obtained from ourbetterhealth.org)

-Ground Turmeric. I just found out this is a member of the ginger family (I guess this is why they look similar lol)...learn something new everyday! Turmeric contains iron, manganese, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, and antioxidants. He goes on in the book to say, "Traditionally, turmeric has been used for relieving menstrual cramps, respiratory conditions, intestinal worms, liver obstruction, ulcers, and inflammation." Holy. Cow. Turmeric has also been found to help counteract damage in brain injuries, help in fighting cancer, and is heart healthy.

-Celery Seeds. There are a ton of health benefits for celery (which I will have to put into a future blog) with some coming from the seeds. Celery seeds contain antioxidants and may aid in fighting cancer too.

*wipes forehead. WHEW! I did not know it was going to be that long when I started. Looks like we will be using this blend even more than we already do!!

Luckily, this next part is super short and easy! This is what you need-

Ingredients:
-2 Tbsp of Nutritional Yeast
-1 Tbsp of Onion Powder
-1 Tbsp of Dried Parsley
-1 Tbsp of Dried Basil
-2 Tsp of Dried Thyme
-2 Tsp of Garlic Powder
-2 Tsp of Mustard Powder
-2 Tsp of Paprika
-1/2 Tsp of Ground Turmeric
-1/2 Tsp of Celery Seeds
Funnel to pour your spices (makeshift funnel out of paper works too!)
Spice bottle or jar with lid (or an old empty seasoning bottle that's cleaned out)
Mortar and pestle or grinder
Cook Time: NONE!

Measure out your ingredients and mix them all up! Add them into your grinder, or if you are like me, taking it back to the old fashioned mortar and pestle.

The first time I made this I didn't have a way to grind up the spices. I did what I could using the back of the tablespoon. I still think it tasted really yummy! So don't worry too much if you cant grind it up as finely. You will just get a surprise burst of flavor every now and then from a bigger piece of spice or herb.

Time to get to work!