Name: Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 tsp dried basil; 4 tsp dried rosemary; 4 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp ground fennel; 2 tsp cayenne pepper; 4 tsp garlic powder

hello fresh tuscan heat spice rubbed on raw steak

Tuscan heat spice, a beloved blend, is a cornerstone of many Hello Fresh recipes. It marries the robust zest of dried herbs, garlic, and a hint of spice, promising to transform your everyday meals into gourmet creations.

Whether you’re looking to recreate the magic of Hello Fresh’s signature seasoning at home or seeking versatile substitutes to elevate your cooking, this post will guide you through making the most of this exquisite spice mix. From enhancing pasta sauces to giving a Tuscan twist to soups and stews, discover how to incorporate Tuscan heat spice into your dishes, along with tips for storage and substitutions to keep your pantry prepared for any culinary adventure.

Hello Fresh’s Tuscan Heat Spice

Tuscan heat spice, featuring dried herbs, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne, makes a great addition to your collection of spices. It encapsulates the essence of Tuscany with a warm twist. While often found in small packets in Hello Fresh meal kits, you can effortlessly recreate this blend in your kitchen!

Tuscan Heat Spice Blend Recipe

Prep time: 5 minutes

Total time: 5 minutes

Key Ingredients

8 teaspoons dried basil
4 teaspoons dried rosemary
4 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground fennel
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (you can also use paprika for less kick)
4 teaspoons garlic powder (you can also use onion powder)

Instructions for Tuscan Seasoning

If any of your spices are whole, grind them in a spice grinder, or by hand.
Measure out your spices and combine them in a small bowl.
Store in an airtight container and use in soups, salads, on meats, and more!

How to Use This Tuscan Heat Spice Recipe

Pasta Sauces: Elevate your pasta sauces with a sprinkle of Tuscan heat spice. Whether a tomato-based marinara or a creamy Alfredo, this spice blend adds depth and warmth, bringing a robust Italian flair to your sauce.

Pasta Dishes: Transform ordinary pasta dishes into something special by incorporating Tuscan heat spice directly into the pasta dough or sprinkling it over the finished dish. It’s perfect for enhancing the flavors of spaghetti aglio e olio, penne pomodoro, or any pasta you prefer.

Protein: Before cooking, use the Tuscan heat spice as a dry rub for meats like chicken, ground beef for pasta sauce, or pork. It’s also great for seasoning fish and tofu, adding a spicy, herby layer that complements the natural flavors of the protein.

Vegetables: Roasted, grilled, or sautéed vegetables can benefit from a dash of Tuscan heat spice. It works well with a wide variety of veggies, from zucchini and bell peppers to potatoes and asparagus, giving them an enticing Italian twist.

Eggs: Give your breakfast a kick by adding Tuscan heat spice to scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas. Sprinkle it on top of poached or fried eggs for a burst of flavor. This spice blend brings a delightful warmth and complexity to the simplest of egg dishes, turning an ordinary meal into a Tuscan-inspired feast.

Salads: Enhance the flavor of your salads by incorporating Tuscan heat spice into your dressings. Whether it’s a simple vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar dressing, adding a pinch of this spice mix can introduce a subtle warmth and Italian zest. It’s also great for sprinkling directly onto salad greens, or roasted vegetables, or mixed into pasta salads for an extra layer of flavor. This versatile spice blend makes it easy to bring a touch of Tuscany to any salad.

Substitutes for Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice

Pizza Seasoning: If you’re out of Tuscan heat spice, pizza seasoning is a fantastic substitute to add Italian flair to your dishes. It usually contains a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and sometimes a bit of heat from red pepper flakes, making it a versatile stand-in for that Tuscan touch.

Italian Seasoning: Another great alternative, Italian seasoning offers a similar herbaceous profile with ingredients like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. While it may lack the spicy kick of cayenne found in Tuscan heat spice, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes to achieve the desired heat level.

Herbs de Provence: For a French twist that still captures the savory essence of Mediterranean flavors, Herbs de Provence can be used. This blend includes herbs such as lavender, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Adding a small amount of garlic powder and cayenne pepper can help mimic the complexity and warmth of the Tuscan heat spice.

Storing the Bold Flavors of Tuscan Heat Spice

To ensure the Tuscan heat spice retains its potent flavors and aromatic qualities, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips to keep this vibrant blend at its best:

Airtight Containers: Store the Tuscan heat spice in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and air, which can diminish its flavors over time. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or metal tins are excellent choices.

Cool, Dark Place: Keep the container in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can cause the spices to lose their color and potency more quickly.

Avoid Humidity: Kitchens can be humid environments, especially near stoves or kettles. Try to store your spice blend in a part of your kitchen that stays dry to prevent clumping.

Label and Date: Mark the container with the name of the spice blend and the date it was mixed. This practice helps you track freshness and ensures you’re using your spices when they are most flavorful.

Shelf Life: While dried spices don’t exactly spoil, they do lose their strength over time. The Tuscan heat spice blend is best used within six months to a year for maximum flavor impact.

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