Making Your Own Spices From Scratch

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create your own spices from scratch using common ingredients that you probably already have at home. Not only will you enhance your cooking with homemade spices, but you'll also discover how to use these spices to make delicious homemade beef jerky. Let's dive into the process of crafting these flavorful additions to your kitchen.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by collecting the necessary ingredients for your spices and beef jerky. Here’s what you’ll need:

For Spices:

• Herbs (115°F / 46°C for 5-10 hours)
• Pepper or chili powder (130°F / 54°C for 8-16 hours)
• Tomato and onion skins (130°F / 54°C for 8-12 hours)
• Garlic powder (130°F / 54°C for 8-12 hours)
• Mushrooms (130°F / 54°C for 8-12 hours)

For Beef Jerky:

• 2.5 pounds (1.2 kg) beef eye of round
• 1 cup (236 ml) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons (4 g) dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon (7 g) mushroom powder
• 1 tablespoon (7 g) garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons (5 g) serrano powder

Step 2: Prepare Your Spices

1. Dehydrate Your Ingredients

   • Preheat your dehydrator to the appropriate temperature for each ingredient.
   • Arrange your herbs, peppers, tomato and onion skins, garlic, and mushrooms on the dehydrator trays.
   • Dehydrate according to the specified times:
     • Herbs: 5-10 hours at 115°F (46°C)
     • Pepper/chili powder, tomato and onion skins, garlic powder, mushrooms: 8-12 hours at 130°F (54°C)
   • Check for dryness and store in containers once fully dehydrated.

2. Blend Your Spices

   • Once dehydrated, grind your herbs and spices using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until you reach your desired consistency.
   • Store your homemade spices in airtight containers to preserve their flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef Jerky Marinade

1. Mix Ingredients

   • In a large bowl, combine:
     • 1 cup soy sauce
     • 1/2 cup honey
     • 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
     • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
     • 1 tablespoon mushroom powder
     • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
     • 2 teaspoons serrano powder

2. Marinate the Beef

   • Slice the beef eye of round into thin strips.
   • Place the beef strips in the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged.
   • Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 4: Dehydrate the Beef Jerky

1. Set Up Your Dehydrator

   • Preheat the dehydrator to 165°F - 170°F (74°C - 77°C).
   • Remove the beef strips from the marinade and shake off excess liquid.

2. Dehydrate the Beef

   • Arrange the beef strips in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
   • Dehydrate for approximately 4-6 hours or until the jerky is firm but still slightly pliable.

Conclusion

You’ve now learned how to make your own spices from scratch and how to use them to create flavorful beef jerky. Homemade spices not only enhance your dishes but also give you the satisfaction of crafting your own flavors. Enjoy experimenting with different spice blends and jerky marinades for your next culinary adventure!