All-purpose seasoning

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml)garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml)dried coriander
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml)oregano
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml)pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml)cumin

Instructions

1. 1

   Grind the spices

   Ideally, use a mortar and grind all the ingredients together.

2. 2

   Use another grinder

   If you do not have a mortar, use a food processor or blender to grind the spices.

3. 3

   Store the mixture

   Transfer the mixture to a tightly sealed glass jar.

4. 4

   Season to taste

   Use the seasoning to flavour a range of dishes, adding it to taste.

What is Chilean all-purpose seasoning?

This is a simple dry spice blend used in Chilean home cooking to add flavour to savoury dishes. Its equal measures of garlic powder, dried coriander, oregano, pepper and cumin make it easy to mix and adjust in larger batches.

The recipe relies on a practical pantry combination rather than a cooked sauce or paste. Grinding the ingredients together helps distribute their flavours through the blend.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 9 calories, 0g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat.

This blend contains no added salt, and a serving used to season a dish contributes only a small amount of energy and macros. Most of its carbohydrates and fibre come from the garlic powder and dried herbs, while the spices provide only modest amounts of protein and fat. Pair a seasoned main with vegetables and a suitable source of protein for a more balanced plate.

Why use equal measures?

Equal parts: The recipe’s main guide is to use the same amount of each spice, so scaling the batch is straightforward. The tablespoon quantities make a modest starting batch.

Choosing and grinding the spices

Freshness: Dried herbs and spices lose their aroma over time, so choose ones that smell distinct when opened. Make sure the oregano and coriander are dry before adding them to the mix.

Grinding: A mortar is the preferred tool in the method. A food processor or blender is offered as an alternative; use whichever can handle this small quantity effectively.

Getting an even blend

Combine: Grind the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed. If using a larger appliance, check that the spices have not collected around the sides before you finish.

Texture: The blend should be fairly uniform, though the exact fineness depends on your grinder. A coarser result can still be used as a seasoning.

How to use the seasoning

Start small: Add a little to a dish, taste it, then add more if needed. The recipe gives no fixed amount for seasoning individual meals.

Pairings: Try it in soups, stews, roasted vegetables or with meat, adding it during cooking so the spices can mingle with the other ingredients.

Storing the spice blend

Airtight jar: Transfer the finished seasoning to a clean glass jar and close it firmly, as the method directs. Keep it in a cool, dry cupboard and use a dry spoon to preserve its aroma.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use the same measure for all five ingredients to keep the blend in balance.
• Grind the spices together rather than adding each one separately to a dish.
• Start with a small pinch when seasoning, then taste before adding more.
• Use a clean, dry spoon when taking seasoning from the jar.
• Label the jar with the blend’s name so it is easy to identify in the cupboard.

Variations

• Coarser blend: Grind the spices briefly and leave a little texture.
• Finer blend: Continue grinding until the mixture is more uniform.
• Milder pepper: Use less pepper and adjust the other quantities equally to retain the recipe’s balance.
• Larger batch: Multiply every ingredient by the same amount.
• Freshly ground cumin: Grind cumin seeds before combining them with the other ingredients.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Unequal measures: The recipe’s balance depends on equal amounts, so use the same spoon for every spice.
• Damp ingredients: Moisture can cause the blend to clump; use dry spices and a dry jar.
• Over-grinding: Stop once the spices are combined to avoid turning the mix into a paste.
• Using too much at once: Add seasoning gradually and taste as you go.
• Loose storage: Close the jar firmly to help protect the blend’s aroma.

How to store

Keep the blend in a tightly sealed glass jar in a cool, dry cupboard. For the best flavour, use it while the dried herbs and spices remain aromatic; discard it if it becomes damp or develops an unusual smell.

Frequently asked questions