One Seasoning Mix to Rule Them All: Bob's Chili-Herb Seasoning Mix

[caption id="attachment_1169640" align="alignright" width="350"] Our late, lamented Bean Soup Seasoning Mix![/caption] It happens every day: you fall in love with a product, and for whatever reason, it's discontinued. We unfortunately had to do that with our Bean Soup Seasoning Mix not too long ago. However, all is not lost! Our Food Innovation Chef, Sarah House, created a version you can make at home by mixing ingredients together and use with any of our fantastic bean soup mixes: 13 Bean Soup Mix, Black Bean Soup Mix and Whole Grains & Beans Soup Mix. But--when I tossed together this seasoning combo at home, I quickly realized it's an incredible mix that can be used for a lot more than soup. In fact, I hereby re-name it: Bob's Chili-Herb Seasoning Mix! This mixture of chili powder, cumin, and other herbs and spices offers a well-rounded depth of flavor without being spicy (although the black pepper gives it a kick), so it's well worth mixing up a batch to keep on hand for:

• Soups and chilis
• Dips (more on that below)
• Taco seasoning for ground beef
• Popcorn
• Scrambled eggs and breakfast burritos
• Veggie burger seasoning
• Roasted potatoes
• Pasta sauce--alfredo chili mac, anyone?

[caption id="attachment_1169646" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Bob's Chili-Herb Seasoning Mix is so versatile--and yummy![/caption]

Bob's Chili-Herb Seasoning Mix

If you want to add this recipe to your entourage of homemade seasoning mixes, find directions to make just 2 tablespoons of the mix--enough for one pot of soup--over at our Bean Seasoning Soup Mix recipe! Makes about 1 cup

• 3 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 5 tsp Dried Basil
• 4 tsp Ground Cumin
• 4 tsp Dried Oregano
• 4 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 1/4 tsp Onion Powder

Mix everything in a small bowl and store in an airtight container. [caption id="attachment_1169647" align="aligncenter" width="750"] It took me one minute to make this Creamy Chili-Herb Dip![/caption]

Company's Coming Creamy Chili-Herb Dip

I'm a big believer in the power of dips when it comes to entertaining--I've made dozens of last-minute dips when company drops by unexpectedly and it always makes them feel welcome. It gets that much easier when you have this spice mix on hand! This dip is creamy, zesty and flavorful and pairs perfectly with crackers and veggies. The longer it sits, the better it gets! Even better, the recipe is flexible--I've substituted light mayo for the mayonnaise and sour cream for the yogurt (or you can skip the mayonnaise and use all sour cream or yogurt for an even tangier dip). Feel free to add cayenne, lime zest and/or fresh herbs to make it your own. Makes 1 cup

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp Bob's Chili-Herb Seasoning Mix

Mix all in a small bowl. Serve with crackers and veggies--or use it as a sandwich spread--or to coat chicken and fish before cooking. To borrow some As Seen on TV lingo, It Does It All! [caption id="attachment_1169677" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Bob's Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix makes beautiful "confetti"![/caption]

Slow Cooker Confetti Soup with Kielbasa

I can't leave you without a soup recipe! I adapted this seasoning blend from my Confetti Soup Jar Mix recipe, using Bob's Red Mill's 13 Bean Soup Mix and my slow cooker. It's delicious and so easy--the perfect weeknight meal. Prep this the night before and it takes less than 5 minutes to throw together in the morning. You'll come home to a house that smells incredible, without heating up the kitchen! Makes 8 servings

• 1 lb 13 Bean Soup Mix (about 2 cups)
• 2 Tbsp Bob's Chili-Herb Seasoning Mix
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Yellow Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 12 oz Beef Kielbasa (use whatever sausage you prefer, or omit and add 1 cube Vegetable Bouillon)
• 4 cups Water or liquid of your choice
• 1 14 oz can Diced Tomatoes
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

The night before, pour the bean soup mix in a bowl with 1/2 teaspoon salt and cover with cold water by several inches. Add the seasoning mix and bay leaf to an (unplugged) slow cooker. Dice the onion, mince the garlic and slice the kielbasa into 3/4-inch pieces. Place all in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans and add to the slow cooker and spices. Add the onion, garlic, kielbasa and water or liquid, stir and cover. Set slow cooker to Low and let cook for 8 to 12 hours. [caption id="attachment_1169716" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Soup, glorious soup![/caption] When beans are tender, add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and taste for salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread and a crisp green salad! Whether you call this Bean Soup Seasoning Mix or Bob's Chili-Herb Seasoning Mix, I hope you'll try it for yourself. Inspired to find a new way to use it? Post your experiments below!