DIY Spice Rubs We Love

Smoky Paprika-Cumin Rub

For chicken, salmon, roasted carrots, chickpeas, potatoes, and anything that needs a little smoky swagger.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp cayenne, optional

Mix. Rub. Roast, grill, or pan-sear.

Mood pairing: weeknight dinner pretending it had a reservation.

Ginger-Garlic-Turmeric Rub

For chicken, tofu, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, lentils, and “I want this to taste good but also feel like it’s doing something.”

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp ground ginger

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp coriander

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Pinch of cayenne

Mix with olive oil and lemon juice to make a paste.

Mood pairing: functional, golden, and slightly smug.

Cinnamon-Cardamom Sweet Heat Rub

For roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, nuts, lamb, chicken, or even popcorn if you’re ready to become that person.

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp cardamom

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp ginger

• ¼ tsp cayenne

Mood pairing: cozy, unexpected, and just fancy enough to make people ask questions.