Tuscan Heat is an adaptable blend that will elevate any meal. Combining robust dried herb flavor with cayenne for some heat, Tuscan Heat can spice up even your most beloved meals.
DIY alternatives to store-bought Tuscan heat seasoning include Herbs de Provence and pizza seasoning mixes, both of which can provide cost-efficient yet long-term storage solutions. Making your own mixture from scratch can be highly satisfying and has many benefits; creating it also saves money!
Rosemary
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is an aromatic evergreen herb with numerous health benefits, including relieving muscle pain, improving immune health and preventing memory loss, as well as stimulating hair growth.
Protein rub or salad topper with subtle warmth and complex flavor profiles; ideal when served alongside eggs!
Basil
Basil is one of the most beloved culinary herbs, beloved for its intense and flavorful qualities that pair perfectly with tomato dishes. Additionally, basil can also be used in marinades for meats and veggies that need grilling.
Fresh basil should have vibrant hues and no signs of wilting leaves, while dried varieties tend to lose some of their volatile oils during drying processes, so for best flavor retention add it toward the end of cooking time.
Marjoram
Marjoram, an herb belonging to the mint family, tastes similar to oregano but is smoother and sweeter in flavor. Additionally, its earthy woodiness combines well with citrus notes as well as fresh balsam-like pine scent.
Find dried marjoram in the spice aisle or with other green herbs such as herbes de Provence or za’atar blends, and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark area.
Parsley
Shop-bought spice combinations may offer delicious results, but nothing beats homemade blends like this Tuscan heat spice blend recipe from Tuscan Heat. Combining classic Italian ingredients with crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper for an added spicy kick. Dried lemon peel adds citrusy notes for an exceptional dry spice blend recipe!
By using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, a homemade Tuscan heat seasoning can elevate any dish from everyday to gourmet in no time! Perfect for adding an authentic Tuscan flare to pasta sauces and soups and stews alike.
Onion Powder
Onion powder can often be found in the spice aisle and is a fine, powdery version of onion. Its consistency falls somewhere between cornmeal-sized granules and fine dust.
As it can quickly cake in warm environments, onion powder should be stored in an airtight container to avoid clumping and flavor loss. Onion salt or flakes could also be used as an alternative but would add moisture and require more for adequate distribution of flavor.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder often receives a negative response among home chefs. Yet this savory seasoning is easy to make and offers multiple unique advantages.
Garlic Powder is made by dehydrating sliced garlic slices until they’re powdered into an even consistency, then grinding to form a fine texture for use in spice blends and dry rubs.
Garlic powder can also replace granulated garlic in dishes that require cooking, such as soups and salad dressings. Store in a cool, dark place.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika is culinary magic, providing rich chile flavors and authentic smoke aroma to dishes without adding heat. This Spanish specialty is created by slowly smoking pimenton (a variety of pepper from the Capsicum annuum family) over oak wood for up to two days.
Luxury paprika can be found at specialty stores or online. Generic varieties may also work, though their flavors will likely lack depth.
Thyme
Thyme leaves possess numerous nutritional and therapeutic properties, such as antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, antibiotic and analgesic activities. Furthermore, antiseptic and analgesic properties have also been observed.
Create this Tuscan heat spice blend by combining rosemary, basil, parsley, thyme onion powder garlic powder smoked paprika crushed red pepper flakes and cracked black pepper – ideal for use on chicken, fish beef or pork dishes!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Crushed red pepper flakes are an essential addition to any kitchen pantry, providing instantaneous heat and spice when needed. Plus, their versatility can add depth to salads and pasta recipes alike.
Different varieties of chile flakes offer distinct secondary flavors, while commercial crushed red pepper usually comprises an assortment of peppers – cayenne being one of the main ones.
Cracked Black Pepper
Cracked black pepper adds a distinct pungency and depth of flavor that elevates any savory dish, especially those featuring garlic powder or cayenne pepper as complementary spices.
As a cost-cutting measure in this Tuscan heat spice blend recipe, Herbs de Provence mixed with cayenne pepper can provide similar flavor profiles without incurring an added expense. Make sure that it’s stored in an airtight container preferably one with a tight fitting lid to maintain optimal flavor profiles and storage conditions.