Often, when we’re preparing specific recipes, we reach for pre-blended spice packets to achieve the flavours we’re looking for. However, most blends can be recreated using the spices sitting in your cupboard. We run through three easy spice blends that will elevate your dinner from bland to grand.

1. Homemade Fajita Mix

INGREDIENTS

2 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp fine salt

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp onion or garlic powder

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp cayenne pepper

Combine all these ingredients in a bowl and mix well. If you’re not going to use the blend straight away, store it in an airtight jar in a cool dry place.

This seasoning should serve 4 people and can be mixed in with either chicken or vegetables in a pan. Once the seasoning has marinated, prepare your fajitas by filling your soft tortilla wraps with the chicken or veggie filling, cheese, salsa and guacamole.

Preparing your own seasoning is a great opportunity to control the heat of the blend. If you like it extra spicy, had a little more chilli powder and cayenne. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of those hot ingredients!

2. Homemade Korma Blend

INGREDIENTS for the korma blend

12 cardamom pods - crushed

4 whole cloves - remove the stems

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp ground coriander

1 bay leaf

½ tsp turmeric

¼ tsp chilli powder

Pinch of saffron

½ tsp salt

Black peppercorns to season

These spices should be combined in a bowl before starting your curry. This seasoning is best enjoyed as part of a chicken curry and the above blend should serve 4 people. To achieve the classic creaminess of a Korma, you’ll also need cream, yoghurt and a little bit of sugar to give the curry it’s signature sweet flavour.

Additional curry ingredients

4 chicken breasts

2 tbsp natural yoghurt

2 large onions

3 garlic cloves

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 tsp caster sugar

3 tbsp double cream

Fresh coriander to garnish

METHOD

• For chicken that’s deliciously tender, you’ll need to pre-soak it in a bowl of natural yoghurt (use around 2 tbsp) for a couple of hours. We recommend cutting the chicken into bite-size pieces.

• Soften the onions in a pan with a generous splash of oil over a moderate heat.

• Once softened, stir in your homemade Korma blend of spices. Stir this mixture constantly.

• After 5 minutes, add the sugar and the flour before gradually adding ½ pint of water to the pan. Continue to stir as it builds to a simmer.

• After 10 minutes or so, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool. It needs to be blended to a smooth consistency so, ensuring the mix is cool, blend it with either a food processor or handheld blender. Remember to remove the bay leaf before this stage!

• Put the sauce to one side and drain the chicken in a colander until only a little yoghurt remains.

• Return your sauce to the heat and then add the chicken and cream, bringing it all to a simmer.

• Cook until your chicken is cooked through and serve with fluffy pilau rice and fresh coriander.

This Korma blend uses a lot of different spices however the results are worth it as the flavours are much more vibrant than a pre-packed kit or stir-in sauce from the supermarket.

3. Chai Spice Blend

Nothing beats the warming, sweet blend of spices that a Chai Latte delivers. It’s very easy to make your own chai blend at home using spice rack staples. This particular recipe is caffeine-free however you’re welcome to add black tea to the blend if you prefer.

INGREDIENTS for the blend

4 tbsp ground cinnamon

3 tbsp ground ginger

4 tsp ground cardamom

2 tsp ground black pepper

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp ground cloves

Combine these spices in a bowl and mix well. Putting them in a sealed container and shaking is also an effective way to blend the spices. This blend should keep for a month or so. Alternatively, you can store it in the fridge for extra longevity.

How to make a hot spiced chai latte You will need:

• 2 tsp of the chai blend

• 1 tbsp of maple syrup - or use sweetener to taste

• 230ml milk METHOD

• Place your spice blend in a mug with the maple syrup (or sweetener) and pour in a very small amount of boiling water. Use a teaspoon to mix the blend into a paste.

• To achieve nice frothy milk at home, pour the milk into a sealed microwaveable container and shake for 30-60 seconds. It is best to froth the milk before heating otherwise it won’t froth up in the desired way.

• Place the microwaveable container in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds with the container lid covered and 30 seconds with the lid removed.

• Pour the frothy milk into your mug and stir thoroughly until the spice paste has combined with the milk.

Homemade blends are really flexible as you can customise them to suit your personal taste. They deliver fresh flavours and often taste better than their shop-bought counterparts. For more flavour ideas and serving suggestions, head to our website where we give you more information about spices, salt, peppercorns and chillies. Some of our artisanal ingredients and gifts are also available from our Etsy store.