Keyword: Cinco de Mayo, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Hacks, Make-Ahead, Spices, Taco Potion #19, Tex-Mex
Taco Potion #19
ACTIVE TIME: 5minutes
TOTAL TIME: 5minutes
Yield: 6tablespoons
This perfect homemade spice blend for taco night will turn ground meat into a flavor fiesta…and yes, I just said “flavor fiesta.” Why number 19? Because there were 18 seasoning formulas before that didn’t quite reach my “fiesta” standards. Although I use this predominantly on beef, it works just as well with ground turkey. This recipe first appeared in Season 14 of Good Eats.
1tablespoonwhole cumin seeds, freshly toasted and ground
2teaspoonscornstarch
2teaspoonskosher salt
1 1/2teaspoonshot smoked paprika
1teaspoonground coriander
1/2teaspooncayenne pepper
ACTIVE TIME: 5minutes
TOTAL TIME: 5minutes
Yield: 6tablespoons
Procedure
Put all the ingredients in a small jar and shake to combine. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
To use, break up a half pound of ground beef or turkey in a wide skillet over medium heat. As soon as it starts to sizzle, sprinkle on a tablespoon or two and continue stirring. As moisture cooks out of the meat and simmers, it will be thickened by the cornstarch. It’s a darned tasty trick.