Taco seasoning

"Taco seasoning" is commonly sold in packets in American grocery stores by companies like McCormick. It's a mixture of spices, salt and modified cornstarch intended to be a one-shot seasoning addition to ground beef for use in tacos. Because it imparts a vaguely Mexican flavor wherever it's used, some recipes call for it in other contexts. This is my version, which I use as a kind of base masala for several Mexican dishes. In an emergency, it can also be used to season taco meat.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp prepared chili powder, or ancho chile powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp MSG+I+G
• 1 tsp ground coriander seed
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp dried Mexican oregano, crushed

Directions

Mix ingredients, shake, and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Where one packet of taco seasoning is called for, add about 1-1/2 tbsp of this mixture, plus additional salt to taste. If using to season one pound of ground meat, use 1 tbsp of this mixture, 1/2 to 1 tsp coarse salt, and about 2 tsp of masa harina or 1 tsp of cornstarch to thicken and emulsify fats. When adding cornstarch to hot food, always make a slurry with a bit of cold water first.