Seasoning Mixes - Recipes

After posting my Mexican Spiced Tomato and Lentil soup recipe I had intended to quickly put up the Mexican Spice mix recipe but found I didn't have one of the ingredients (amazing considering the huge array of herbs and spices I have in my pantry). So apologies to Lynn (who wanted the recipe to make the soup), here it is now...with some added recipes.

These recipes are from Sophie Gray's 'Enjoy'. It's just as well I am transfer in these to my blog for future reference since this page of the recipe book looks a bit worse for wear due to regular use!

I use these all the time...the Mexican and Cajun in wedges (a regular for family meals) and the Italian herbs in the focaccia bread I make regularly and in a range of other dishes. The Tandoori mix is a good alternative to the hideous 'curry powder' mixes available from supermarkets.
Making these is significantly cheaper than buying ready made spice mixes (especially if you buy the herbs in the cheaper boxes). I just wash and reuse the jars that individual spices come in.

Mexican Spice Mix
1 heaped tbsp cumin
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano
1tbsp chilli powder or flakes

Italian Herb Mix
3 tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp dried thyme
2 tbsp marjoram
2 tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp black pepper

Cajun Seasoning Mix
1 1/2 tbsp paprika
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp sugar

Tandoori Mix
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp coriander
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp tumeric
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp garam masala

Mexican spiced tomato and lentil soup - recipe

I know its not really soup weather and that if I'm really honest we are too close to summer for soup but I have been craving this one for ages. To be honest I'm not even sure I made it over winter.

The recipe comes from Sophie Gray's (also known as the Destitute Gourmet) 'Enjoy'. I love the fact that it is vegetarian but has lentils in it for protein.

It uses Mexican Seasoning which is a recipe included in the book alone with a number of others that I make regularly to have on hand to quickly add to meals. (I'll include a couple soon).

I served it with toasted home made breads - focaccia, garlic and herb and basic white bread.

Mexican spiced tomato and lentil soup

2 tbsp olive oil

2 onions, chopped

3 cloves of garlic chopped

3 tsp Mexican seasoning (cumin, chilli, sugar, oregano, salt)

2 x 400g chopped canned tomatos

6 cups stock (I used beef but vege or chicken is fine)

1/3 cup tomato paste

1 1/2 cups red lentils

1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander

sour cream to garnish

In large saucepan, heat oil and add onion and garlic. Cook until light golden.

Mix in the Mexican seasoning, then add tomato, stock, tomato paste, lentils and sugar. Bring to boil and stir, then reduce temp and simmer for 45 minutes. Add chopped fresh herbs and garnish with a dollop of sour cream.

Fantastic Mexican - El Camino

This little Mexican Cafe in Kingsland doesn't look much from the outside (or the inside for that matter) but the food is great.

El Camino has been in Kingsland for a while but for some reason we have not been there for a few years. After today's lunch we will be back. Especially since they cater really well for vegetarians.

While there wasn't too much for a little person who isn't yet keen on spicy food, a plain tortilla and coke sorted her out.

My spicy chicken burrito with mexican rise an salad was great. I couldn't fault anything about the meal.