If you want to replace the Tuscan heat spice blend in your HelloFresh box with something else, there are various alternatives. Try using pre-made Italian seasoning mixes or cayenne pepper instead.
Notable ingredients to have on hand include chili pepper flakes, garlic powder, paprika and salt – you could even try adding thyme or savory for an herbal flair!
1. Dried Basil
Tuscan heat spice blend combines several robust herbs and spices for an aromatic, flavorful mixture that elevates various dishes. This DIY recipe rivals store-bought seasoning blends, yet can easily be stored in a mason jar for easy access while cooking.
This mixture can add depth of flavor to grilled meats or veggies before roasting for an authentic Mediterranean flair. Furthermore, it makes an excellent addition to marinades and sauces for more intricate flavor profiles.
Though similar to Italian seasoning, this blend uses fennel seeds and ground lemon peel for an earthier, bolder taste profile than most store-bought pizza seasoning mixes. If you don’t have these exact ingredients available to you, substituting regular Italian seasoning with cayenne pepper can produce similar results.
2. Dried Oregano
Dried oregano adds an earthy and piney taste similar to standard Italian seasoning, yet with an added spicy kick. This adds depth and complexity to this Tuscan heat spice blend.
To prepare dried oregano for this recipe, hold its stem in one hand while using your fingers to slide down its length and stripping away leaves as you go. Transfer these to an airtight container such as Mason jar before placing in a dark location for up to one year of storage.
3. Dried Thyme
Thyme brings an additional depth of flavor to Tuscan Heat spice blend, beyond its herbal taste and pungent fragrance. Additionally, its subtle peppery warmth complements earthiness perfectly.
This dried herb pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes, adding an aromatic touch to soups, stews, pasta dishes and marinades for meats as well as adding depth of flavor in roasted vegetables or soups.
For drying thyme, tie together small bundles of fresh leaves using kitchen twine. Once prepared for drying, spread out on dehydrator trays evenly in one layer with some room between bundles.
4. Dried Marjoram
Dried marjoram, an herb from the mint family, resembles oregano but with more delicate notes. This versatile ingredient pairs perfectly with citrus and savory flavors and serves as a key component in classic French Herbes de Provence blends as well as Middle Eastern Za’atar spice mixes.
Take this Hello Fresh copycat recipe and create your own DIY Tuscan heat seasoning mix! From adding it to grilled meats to adding it into soups, this flavorful blend adds depth to all of your favorite meals. Create a batch now, store it away in mason jars for future meals, and you will always have it on hand!
5. Dried Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes offer an adjustable heat level that can be tailored to individual taste preferences. As the primary spice source in this Tuscan heat blend recipe, they make for an effective combination with cooling ingredients like yogurt or sour cream to moderate its intensity.
To create this Tuscan heat seasoning mix, measure out and combine dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, garlic powder and red pepper flakes in a bowl, stirring to thoroughly incorporate all of the ingredients. Store this Tuscan heat seasoning in an airtight container in a cool dark area until ready for use.
6. Dried Garlic
Hello Fresh Tuscan heat spice blend will add the bold flavors of Italian cuisine to any meal, whether used in pasta sauce or as a bread dipper. With only four simple ingredients required for homemade production, Hello Fresh’s easy copycat recipe can easily be recreated at home!
Make an aromatic Tuscan Heat spice easily by mixing dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder and red pepper flakes together in an airtight jar or container. Store for future use!
Adjust the ratios of these herbs and spices based on your own personal tastes and culinary goals. Use it to give grilled meats Mediterranean flair or boost the flavors of roasted vegetables.
7. Dried Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper adds an irresistibly spicy kick that perfectly balances out the earthiness of other ingredients, and helps amp up garlic and ground fennel flavor for optimal results.
To prepare cayenne peppers, cut them lengthwise and use a spoon to remove seeds and membranes (optional). Rinsing sliced peppers under cool water may further diminish their spicy levels depending on your personal preferences.
Refrigerating spices may hasten their spoilage; therefore it is wise to store Tuscan heat spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark location if possible. Refrigeration could speed up their degradation; therefore it should be avoided as much as possible.