Tuscan heat is a salt-free seasoning mix featuring herbs and spices commonly found in recipes. Easy to create, its shelf life extends up to one year when stored correctly.
Protein like chicken, fish, pork or beef as well as roasted or grilled vegetables work wonderfully with this condiment, while soups and stews can also benefit.
Ingredients
Hello Fresh meal kits often include Tuscan Heat Spice as part of their selections. It features warm, earthy flavors with pine notes similar to Italian seasoning but with added heat from cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
Ingredients used in this blend are readily available and can usually be found in any pantry, such as herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary and marjoram; aromatics such as fennel seed, dried lemon peel and paprika; as well as spices such as ground black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Add funnel seeds or ground licorice for additional depth if desired; though this step is optional, it can make a noticeable difference to the final flavor profile of your final product. Store this mix in an airtight container in a dark and cool location for up to one year; alternatively you could freeze it if you would like an extended shelf life.
Preparation
To create Tuscan heat spice mix, combine oregano, basil, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary and dried lemon peel in a small bowl and combine well to evenly disperse all of the ingredients. Sprinkle this spice mix over poultry meats pasta soup vegetables to give their dishes an infusing Tuscan flavor.
Some recipes also call for additional seasonings such as smoked paprika, onion powder and red pepper flakes to create additional depth and enhance the taste. Although not necessary, these additions could bring out additional depth in your Tuscan seasoning blend.
Once your Tuscan spice blend is complete, transfer it into an airtight container and store in a cool and dark area for at least six months for best results. For longer storage life or frozen options if desired. Furthermore, this recipe is gluten-free and vegan friendly, providing access to people of varying diets while being easy enough for large scale production.
Storage
Tuscan heat spice blend recipe is an adaptable blend that adds bold flavors with just a subtle kick of warmth, perfect for use in rubs, marinades, soups, pasta sauces and other recipes.
Mason jars make ideal containers for storing homemade Tuscan heat seasoning blend recipes. Their leakproof seal keeps out moisture that could compromise their flavors over time, while their clear see-through material allows easy labeling of their contents.
If you don’t have all of the herbs and spices necessary to create Tuscan heat seasoning blend, an alternative would be an Italian spice mix with cayenne pepper for similar flavors. Store this mix in an airtight container in a cool dark location to prevent spoilage; up to six months should pass without spoilage when properly stored. You can then use this Tuscan seasoning blend on meats, fish, pasta vegetables or roasted potatoes!
Variations
Tuscan heat is an intriguing spice blend with its own special flavor that can be added to a variety of dishes. Its versatility means you can use Tuscan heat in marinades, rubs, stews, pasta sauces and soups alike – adding both heat and flavor! Thanks to paprika and red pepper flakes it may add spice and heat. But you don’t want that because there is plenty of other delicious things going on too.
Some may prefer a more mild version by increasing the basil or garlic powder content, while others use fennel seeds or orange peel for additional citrusy notes. You may also adjust your spice level according to personal taste; adding or taking away cayenne pepper can add or take away from its intensity.
The Tuscan Heat Spice Recipe can be prepared using any dried herbs and spices available to you, although certain key character ingredients (Herbs de Provence mixed with cayenne pepper) will achieve similar results. Simply store this combination in an airtight container such as mason jar with secure tumbler lid.