Cooperative Extension Publications

Part of the Saving Money With Homemade Convenience Mixes Series

Originally prepared by Nellie Hedstrom, Extension Nutrition Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Revised and updated by Kate Yerxa, Statewide Nutrition Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Saving Money With Homemade Convenience Mixes provides recipes for master convenience mixes that you can make and keep on hand. These mixes are healthier and less expensive than the packaged convenience mixes you buy in the store, and allow you to control the amount of fat, sodium, sugar, and additives in your foods without sacrificing the convenience of a mix. There are 15 master convenience mixes, each with recipes you can make from the mix.

A complete index of convenience mix recipes can be found on the Bulletin #4029, Saving Money With Homemade Convenience Mixes page.

For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.
Find more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu/publications/.

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Index to Recipes

• Convenience Seasoning Mixes For Rice
• Curry Mix
• Beef Mix
• Chicken Mix
• Spanish Rice Mix
• Pre-Mix Flavorings

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Convenience Seasoning Mixes For Rice

Below are recipes for making rice flavoring mix. Add 1 packet of mix to 1 cup brown rice, 2 1/2 cups water. Bring water, rice, and seasoning to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 50 minutes or until the water is absorbed. 1 cup of uncooked brown rice makes about 3 cups of cooked rice.

To use white rice instead of brown rice, reduce the water to 2 cups and reduce the cooking time to 20 minutes.

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Curry Mix

Mix 1/2 cup instant onion, 3 tablespoons curry powder, 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken bouillon granules, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric. Place in container. Use 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon mix for each recipe.

Makes 6 recipes.

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Beef Mix

Combine 3 tablespoons low-sodium beef bouillon granules, 1/2 cup instant minced onion, 1/2 cup parsley flakes. Place in container. Use 2-1/2 tablespoons mix for each recipe.

Makes 6 recipes.

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Chicken Mix

Combine 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken bouillon granules, 1/2 cup parsley flakes, 1 tablespoon celery flakes, 1/2 cup instant minced onion, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place in a container. Use 3 tablespoons mix for each recipe.

Makes 6 recipes.

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Spanish Rice Mix

Combine 1 tablespoon instant minced onion, 1/4 cup parsley flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon turmeric. Store in a container. Use 1/4 cup mix for each recipe.

When using this seasoning mix, add one 14 ounce can of stewed tomatoes along with 1 cup of rice and 2 1/2 cups of water.

Makes 4 recipes.

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Pre-Mix Flavorings

Mexican Flavoring:

Cumin powder is an important ingredient for Mexican flavoring. Cayenne pepper can be added for the hot taste and the red color. To make a milder recipe and still maintain the color, try blending some cayenne pepper and paprika. Add both cumin and chili powder to onion when it is being sautéed.

Italian Flavoring:

Combine 6 tablespoons basil, 2 tablespoons oregano, 1 tablespoon thyme and keep the package in a dry container. Add about 1 teaspoon per cup of tomatoes, tomato sauce or puree, or add to taste.

Makes 27 teaspoons.

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Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

© 2003, 2011

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