1 part garlic powder 1 part cumin powder 3 parts Mexican oregano powder 3 parts cayenne pepper powder 3 parts sweet paprika powder
Proportions (parts) are by volume, not weight.
Mexican oregano usually comes whole (dried), and needs to be ground before you use it. Grinding reduces the volume by two-thirds.
The original recipe called for 1 part salt; I disagree.
This is the one acceptable use I know of for garlic powder.
For a hotter powder, use hot (“half sharp”) paprika.
You could, if you’re so inclined, grind your own whole cumin seeds; for extra flavor, toast them a bit before grinding them. Remember, though, to measure the cumin after you’ve ground it.
If you’re making a large batch, you can save time by using an electric spice grinder instead of a mortar and pestle. Many people call electric spice grinders “coffee grinders” but they are clearly mistaken.
Difficulty: Very easy.Time: 5 minutes.
Precision: 4.
Food for Thought, by Robert Farrar Capon.
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