EMMA’S HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING
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Description:
A robust, smoky, and perfectly balanced taco seasoning blend that blows
store-bought packets out of the water. This WFPB-friendly mix is free of fillers
and anti-caking agents, giving you pure, vibrant flavour with a fraction of the
sodium.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Yields: Approx. 1/2 cup (about 13 servings)

--- INGREDIENTS ---
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) chili powder (a standard mild blend)
- 1.5 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano, but any will work)
- 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste; see notes)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to your desired heat level)

--- INSTRUCTIONS ---
1. Measure: Add all ingredients to a small bowl or, even better, directly into a
   small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Combine: Whisk the spices together in the bowl until thoroughly combined and no
   clumps remain.
3. Seal: If using a jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds
   until the blend is uniform in colour.
4. Store: Store in your airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place (like
   your pantry or a spice drawer). It will remain at peak freshness for about 6
   months, but is safe to use for much longer.

--- CHEF'S NOTES ---
)
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to your desired heat level)
Instructions:
Measure: Add all ingredients to a small bowl or, even better, directly into a
small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Combine: Whisk the spices together in the bowl until thoroughly combined and no
clumps remain.
Seal: If using a jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds
until the blend is uniform in colour.
Store: Store in your airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place (like
your pantry or a spice drawer). It will remain at peak freshness for about 6
months, but is safe to use for much longer.
Nutritional Information:
Per Serving: Approx. 2 teaspoons (which is the typical "serving" for a packet)
Calories: 18
Fat: 0.5g (25% of Calories)
Saturated Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 192mg (8% DV)
Carbohydrates: 2.7g (60% of Calories)
Dietary Fiber: 1.1g (4% DV)
Total Sugars: 0.4g
Protein: 0.6g (13% of Calories)
Vitamins:
Vitamin A: 1275 IU (25% DV)
Vitamin C: 0.7mg (1% DV)
Vitamin D: 0 IU (0% DV)
Vitamin E: 0.2mg (1% DV)
Vitamin K: 2.2mcg (2% DV)
B Vitamins:
Thiamin (B1): <0.1mg
Riboflavin (B2): <0.1mg
Niacin (B3): 0.3mg (2% DV)
Vitamin B6: 0.1mg (5% DV)
Vitamin B12: 0mcg (0% DV)
Minerals:
Calcium: 20mg (2% DV)
Copper: <0.1mg (4% DV)
Folate: 2.4mcg (1% DV)
Iron: 0.9mg (5% DV)
Magnesium: 10mg (2% DV)
Phosphorus: 21mg (2% DV)
Potassium: 82mg (2% DV)
Selenium: 0.5mcg (1% DV)
Zinc: 0.2mg (1% DV)
Notes:
How to Use: A general rule of thumb is 2-3 tablespoons of this blend per 1 pound
of "ground" (like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or lentils) or per 1 (15-oz) can of
beans. Sauté your base, add the seasoning, and then add a splash of water or
vegetable broth to create a light "sauce" that helps the seasoning coat
everything.
Salt-Free Version: For a completely salt-free blend (zero sodium!), simply omit
the 1 tsp of sea salt. The blend will still be incredibly flavourful. You can
then salt your final dish to taste, giving you total control.
Heat Control: This recipe as written is mild.
For Medium Heat: Increase cayenne to 1/2 tsp.
For Hot: Increase cayenne to 1 tsp.
Smoky Flavour: The smoked paprika is what gives this blend its magic. If you
only have sweet paprika, it will still work, but you'll miss that lovely,
complex smokiness.
Assumptions:
Nutritional information is estimated based on the ingredients listed.
"Serving size" is set at 2 tsp to mimic commercial packet information. The total
batch yields ~13 such servings.
Percentages for "Daily Value" (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet.
Percentages for macronutrient calories are calculated from the gram amounts
(Fat: 9cal/g, Carbs: 4cal/g, Protein: 4cal/g).