Tuscan heat spice is an easy and flavorful way to bring bold Italian flavors into your cooking, perfect for soups, salads and pasta dishes.
Use it to flavor roasted vegetables, use as a dip for chips and vegetables, or as a rub for chicken and red meat.
Ingredients
Authentic Tuscan heat spice contains herbs and spices indigenous to Tuscany, Italy. The main components are rosemary, basil, oregano and fennel seeds – essential Italian herbal ingredients with earthy undertones – along with garlic powder and paprika as the savory base, red pepper flakes for spicy warmth, lemon zest for zestiness and nutty toasted sesame seeds for versatility.
Ingredients for this homemade seasoning mix can easily be gathered from your kitchen cupboard and pantry. A spice grinder works great at mixing all the components, or use a food processor for the job.
Store your Tuscan heat spice blend in an airtight jar or container to prevent it from spoiling and moisture degrading its flavor. Make sure that this container is kept somewhere cool, dark, and away from direct sunlight for best results.
Preparation
Tuscan heat spice blend is easy to make at home and will add a savory, warming note to your meals. Inspired by Hello Fresh Tuscan Spice Blend with its spicy kick provided by crushed red pepper flakes and black peppercorns; dried lemon peel adds even more zest for this easy spice mix recipe!
This spice blend has an extended shelf life when stored in an airtight container and away from direct sunlight, and makes an excellent alternative to standard Italian seasoning, offering stronger and bolder flavors with subtle spice notes.
Your kitchen pantry already contains this versatile spice blend! Use it in various dishes from roasts and grilled vegetables, pasta recipes, salad dressings and dry rubs on proteins (chicken, ground beef for pasta sauces or fish). Add smoked paprika for an additional smoky kick when roasting vegetables!
Storage
Store this Tuscan heat spice blend recipe correctly for several months to a year for optimal results. Mason jars are often preferred because of their clear glass material and easy labeling options.
This seasoning blend combines Mediterranean flavors with a hint of pepper for extra heat, creating an optimal blend that complements dishes without overshadowing them – letting their natural tastes shine through without competing. Ideal for meats, vegetables, pastas and soups!
Italian spices combine citrus aromas and fragrant herbs into an irresistibly aromatic spice blend, perfect for seasoning chicken, pasta and soup dishes as well as being used as a rub for meats or added into roast vegetables.
Variations
Tuscan heat spice comes standard in every Hello Fresh meal kit and is also easy to create at home using herbs, garlic powder and cayenne pepper – providing your dishes with extra flavor!
Seasonings are used to add flavor and aroma to vegetables, meats, pasta dishes and soups. A popular application is for chicken rubs; ground beef can also be mixed in for burgers, meatloaf or meatballs; alternatively they can be sprinkled over roasted or grilled potatoes as a final touch or mixed into salad dressings to increase herb and spice levels.
If you don’t have all the ingredients to create Tuscan heat spice, a comparable blend can be created using Herbs de Provence and paprika instead. Although its ratios may differ slightly, its taste remains similar. Keep in mind that any homemade blend may lose potency over time so store it in a cool dark place and label with its date for optimal shelf life management – or freeze for long-term storage purposes!