The taco's distinguishing feature is the smell and taste of the seasoning. If you make your own spice mix, you get a different aroma from the bought ones, and you can make the combination you like the best! This recipe is a good starting point for making your own mixture - experiment with the quantities, or add other spices such as fennel seeds or perhaps a little sprinkle of cinnamon to get your own magical mixture! Double or triple the quantity and you will have enough for several taco nights.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp whole cumin seeds
- ½ tsp whole pepper
- 1 tsp coriander seed
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
- ½ tsp salt
Method
- Toast the cumin, pepper, coriander seeds and chilli flakes in a dry pan just until a little smoke comes out and it smells good.
- Place the spices in a mortar and crush to a fine powder.
- Add salt, oregano and paprika.
- Taste the mixture and check if you like it, adjust with more salt or chilli if you think it is needed.
- Put the spice mixture in a jar with a tight lid, if you are going to store it for later. Remember to label the glass.
