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Mistura de especiarias (Portuguese Spice Mix)

Mistura de especiarias (Portuguese Spice Mix) is a traditional Portuguese recipe (from the Azores) for a classic curry-like blend of spices with dried citrus zest. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Portuguese version of: Portuguese Spice Mix (Mistura de especiarias).

prep time

10 minutes

cook time

5 minutes

Total Time:

15 minutes

Makes:

250ml

Rating:

Tags : CurrySpice RecipesHerb RecipesPortugal Recipes

This is a basic curry-like spice blend used in Portuguese cookery that also forms the flavour base for Caril (curry) recipes. The recipe demonstrates the global reach of the Portuguese spice trade, with elements from Europe, India, South America and East Asia. The original recipe comes from the Azores, but versions are known throughout the Portuguese-speaking world.

Ingredients:

5 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp ground black pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp hot chilli powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1⁄2 tsp dried oregano, crumbled
1 tsp dried lemon zest (about 1/2 lemon worth)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1⁄8 tsp ginger powder
1⁄8 tsp ground allspice
1⁄8 tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp dried orange zest (about 1/4 orange worth)
1⁄4 tsp dried bay leaf, crumbled

Method:

If you don't have dried orange zest or lemon zest you can easily prepare this at home.

Wash and dry the lemons and oranges. Finely grate the lemon and orange zest using the small-hole grating side of a grater or a zester.

Pre-heat the oven at 120°C. Spread the zest in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray. Place this in the centre of your oven, then reduce the heat to 95°C. and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

Shake or stir the lemon or orange zest to keep it from burning during this time. Keep a watchful eye on the zest during the final part of drying a lemon and orange zest will burn quite easily.

Store in an airtight jar or container when fully dry.

To prepare the curry powder, combine all the spices and herbs then stir in the dried zests.

Spoon into a jar seal and store in the refrigerator, where it will keep good for up to two weeks.