This Soul food seasoning recipe blend is the perfect spice mix for every Southern cook’s kitchen. Made with a variety of spices you would find in Soul food kitchens, it’s a make-ahead spice blend you will love to cook with.
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
I’m a fan of making my own spice mixes ahead of time, a kitchen tip I got from my Grandmother, who was always whipping up wonderful meals in the kitchen. Rather than pulling out 6-10 different spices at a time, grabbing a ready-made spice mixture for your favorite recipes is a must for efficiency. Plus, you’ll know your food will always be seasoned and on point.
A few spice manufacturers have caught on, and you will sometimes find soul food seasoning on the grocery shelves. Each soul food seasoning mixture varies from brand to brand, but most have a few of the same core ingredients you will find in many soul food recipes.
With a homemade spice blend, you control the ingredients, ensuring no additives or preservatives in your spice blend. Plus, you likely have all these ingredients in your spice cabinet already.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for the following 9 spices:
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- celery salt
- paprika
- dried thyme
- dried oregano
- cayenne pepper
How to make Soul Food Seasonings
Add your spices to a bowl or an airtight container. Mix the spices until combined. Use in your favorite recipes or any recipe that calls for soul food seasoning as an ingredient.
How long does soul food seasoning last
Store this seasoning blend in an airtight container. If properly stored, the mixture can last for up to 2 to 3 years. However, for the freshest and most potent flavor, it’s best used within the first 6 months to 1 year.
To extend its shelf life, keep it in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or a spice cabinet, in an airtight container.
How to use this seasoning
Use this season as a dry seasoning for your favorite meats or vegetables. I like to use it to season my fried chicken or add a bit when cooking beans or stews.
The amount of seasoning to use will depend on the specific dish you’re preparing and your personal taste preference. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim for approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons of soul food seasoning per pound of meat or vegetables.
What is Soul food seasoning?
Soul food seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs traditionally used in Soul Food, a cuisine that originated with African Americans in the Southern United States. The specific ingredients can vary, but it often includes elements like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and other spices. This seasoning blend is known for its ability to deliver a powerful, balanced punch of flavors, adding depth and warmth to a variety of dishes, such as fried chicken, collard greens, and black-eyed peas. It encapsulates the essence of Soul Food – comfort, hearty flavor, and a rich cultural history.
Expert Tips
- Avoid using a wet spoon to scoop out the seasoning, as moisture can degrade the quality and shorten the lifespan of the spices. As a general rule, if the seasoning loses its aroma and color, it’s probably past its prime and will not contribute much flavor to your dishes.
- Make it your own by adjusting the spices to your liking. If you like a spicy blend, add more cayenne. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika rather than regular paprika.
- If you like a hint of sweetness for a balanced flavor profile, add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar.
I hope you like this soul food seasoning as much as we do. If you’re looking for more homemade spice blends, try these out:
Soul Food Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Add your spices to a bowl or an airtight container. Mix the spices until combined. Use in your favorite recipes or any recipe that calls for soul food seasoning as an ingredient.
Notes
- Use the best quality spices you can find for your blend. Freshness is key to a flavorful blend. Ideally, spices should be replaced every six months to a year, as they lose potency over time.
- Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your personal preference. If you like more heat, add more cayenne. If you prefer it to be less salty, reduce the amount of salt. The recipe is merely a guide; the final seasoning blend should reflect your taste.