Emma’s Homemade Taco Seasoning

)
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).