Homemade Natural Seasoning Trio
Homemade Natural Seasoning Trio
Create Your Own Natural Seasonings at Home
Are you looking for healthier alternatives to commercial seasonings? With the growing popularity of wellness, many store-bought options claim to be natural, but they can be quite expensive. Making your own at home is not only economical but also surprisingly simple! This recipe guides you through creating three versatile natural seasonings using common ingredients like anchovies, shiitake mushrooms, chili seeds, and dried shrimp, adding delicious umami and nutritional value to your meals.
Ingredients- 2 cups dried anchovies (gutted)
- 1 cup dried shiitake mushrooms
- 2 cups dried chili seeds
- 2 cups small dried shrimp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the anchovies. When you buy dried anchovies for broth, it’s important to remove their innards. This step is crucial for reducing any fishy taste. Discard the innards, then store the cleaned anchovies in a zip-top bag in the freezer. This keeps them fresh for a long time. Labeling the bag with the date and ingredient name makes it even more convenient.
Step 2
Thoroughly remove the innards from the anchovies.
Step 3
Keep the anchovy heads attached; do not remove them. These contribute to a richer flavor.
Step 4
To eliminate any potential fishy smell from the anchovies and dried shrimp, lightly toast them in a preheated pan. Stir-fry over medium-low heat until they become fragrant. Be careful not to overcook, as they can burn quickly.
Step 5
The toasting is complete when the ingredients feel slightly warm to the touch. This process dries them out and enhances their flavor.
Step 6
Transfer the toasted anchovies to a grinder (blender or food processor) and grind them into a fine powder. Depending on the anchovy size and grinder’s power, you might need to grind them in batches for a smoother consistency.
Step 7
This anchovy powder can be used as a base seasoning to add umami to various dishes like soups, stews, and braises. It’s a convenient alternative to making anchovy broth from scratch.
Step 8
Next, we have the dried shiitake mushrooms. These impart a wonderful aroma and are known for their health benefits, including boosting the immune system.
Step 9
The dried shiitake mushrooms can be ground directly in the grinder without prior toasting. Their subtle, earthy aroma will elevate the flavor profile of your dishes.
Step 10
Finally, chili seeds. Chili seeds are rich in Vitamin C, which can help strengthen your immune system. When you desire a mildly spicy and refreshing broth, add a small amount of chili seed powder to soups, stews, or braised dishes. It adds a clean, zesty flavor. Adjust the spiciness by controlling the amount of chili seeds used.
Step 11
Grind the chili seeds into a fine powder using the grinder. It’s advisable to start with a small amount, as too much can make the dish excessively spicy.
Step 12
For the dried shrimp, opt for smaller ones as they are more economical and easier to grind. The photo shows a leftover amount, but ensure you have 2 cups. You can grind them whole, including their shells.
Step 13
You can grind the dried shrimp together with the previously toasted anchovies, or grind them separately. If you prefer a richer seafood flavor, you can use larger, reddish dried shrimp, but be aware they might be more expensive.
Step 14
The finely ground shrimp powder is excellent for adding deep umami and rich seafood flavor to soups, stews, seasoned vegetables (namul), and more. You can also combine it with the anchovy powder for a blended seasoning.
