Greek Seasoning Blend Recipe

Oregano: A staple herb in Greek cuisine, known for its robust and slightly bitter flavor.

Basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery taste, balancing the blend.

Parsley: Provides a fresh, mild flavor that complements the other herbs.

Rosemary: An aromatic herb with a woody, pine-like flavor.

Thyme: Offers a subtle earthiness and a hint of mint.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth and a mild garlic flavor.

Onion powder: Contributes a sweet and slightly pungent taste.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the blend.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and a sharp, pungent flavor.

To enhance the flavor of your Greek seasoning blend, lightly toast the dried herbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes before combining them. This will release their essential oils and make the blend more aromatic. Be sure to let the herbs cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar flavor profile to oregano, making it a suitable replacement.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried tarragon: Dried tarragon has a slightly sweet and anise-like flavor that can mimic the taste of basil.

• dried parsley - Substitute with dried cilantro: Dried cilantro can provide a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor similar to parsley.

• dried rosemary - Substitute with dried sage: Dried sage has a robust and earthy flavor that can stand in for rosemary.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried savory: Dried savory has a peppery and slightly minty taste that can replace thyme.

• garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: Granulated garlic has a similar flavor and can be used in the same quantity as garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with granulated onion: Granulated onion provides a similar taste and texture to onion powder.

• salt - Substitute with celery salt: Celery salt adds a slight celery flavor along with the saltiness, which can enhance the overall seasoning blend.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile to black pepper but is slightly milder.

• Choose an airtight container: Opt for a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a high-quality plastic container. This ensures that the Greek seasoning blend remains fresh and aromatic.

• Label your container: Use a permanent marker or a label maker to write the name of the blend and the date it was made. This helps you keep track of its freshness.

• Store in a cool, dark place: Keep the container in a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the herbs and spices, diminishing their flavor.

• Avoid moisture: Ensure the container is completely dry before adding the seasoning blend. Moisture can cause clumping and spoil the mix.

• Use within six months: For the best flavor, use your Greek seasoning blend within six months. While it may still be safe to use after this period, the potency of the herbs and spices will start to decline.

• Freezing option: If you want to extend the shelf life, consider freezing the blend. Place the seasoning in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

• Portion control: When freezing, divide the seasoning blend into smaller portions. This way, you can thaw only what you need, keeping the rest fresh and potent.

• Thawing: When ready to use, simply take out the desired portion and let it come to room temperature. Avoid microwaving or heating, as this can affect the flavor profile.

• Avoid contamination: Always use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out the seasoning. This prevents introducing moisture or contaminants into the container.

• Refreshing the blend: If you notice the flavor fading over time, you can refresh the blend by adding a small amount of fresh dried herbs and spices. Mix well to reinvigorate the seasoning.

• For reheating grilled chicken or lamb seasoned with the Greek seasoning blend:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the meat in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  3. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• For reheating vegetables seasoned with the Greek seasoning blend:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• For reheating pasta or rice dishes with the Greek seasoning blend:

  1. Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of chicken broth to a skillet.
  2. Heat the skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the pasta or rice and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• For reheating soups or stews with the Greek seasoning blend:

  1. Pour the soup or stew into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Continue to heat until it reaches a simmer and is warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

• For reheating bread or pita with the Greek seasoning blend:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the bread or pita in aluminum foil.
  3. Heat for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

• For reheating seafood like shrimp or fish with the Greek seasoning blend:

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Place the seafood in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
  3. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix all the dried herbs and spices together.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out each of the dried herbs and spices to ensure the correct proportions.

• Spoon: Used for stirring the ingredients until they are well mixed.

• Airtight container: Necessary for storing the seasoning blend to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure all spices and herbs before starting to save time during mixing.

Use a spice grinder: If you prefer a finer blend, use a spice grinder to quickly achieve the desired texture.

Batch preparation: Make a large batch of the seasoning blend and store it in an airtight container for future use.

Label containers: Clearly label your storage containers to quickly identify the blend when needed.

Organize your pantry: Keep your spices and herbs organized for easy access and faster preparation.