Perfectly Crafted Tuscany Seasoning for Your Italian Dishes

Looking for a way to add that authentic Italian flavor to your dishes without the hassle of sourcing imported blends? Look no further! This homemade sun-dried Tuscany seasoning is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you're roasting vegetables, seasoning meats, or enhancing your favorite pasta dishes, this blend will surely bring a homemade touch of Tuscany to your kitchen.

What Is Tuscany Seasoning?

Tuscany Seasoning, also known as Tuscan Seasoning or Tuscan Blend, is a core ingredient that I frequently use to boost the flavors of many dishes. This seasoning is made with fresh rosemary and sage, which are sun-dried with garlic and Kosher salt. Unlike some store-bought blends that may include a multitude of other ingredients like sun-dried tomato, onion, fennel seed, and pepper, my Tuscany Seasoning sticks to just the essentials. This makes it incredibly versatile and easy to use in a variety of recipes.

Discover this combination almost by accident when experimenting with flavors. My daughter-in-law has an extensive collection of dried herbs and spices, and after cooking with most of them, I developed a fondness for her preferred blend. When using store-bought Italian blends, you'll often find a wider variety of ingredients, but this core blend remains the base from which I can add other flavors as needed.

The Art of Seasoning

Seasoning is simply the process of adding salt, herbs, and/or spices to enhance the taste of food. Drying is a fantastic way to preserve herbs, especially when the harvest is abundant, as it allows you to retain their flavor and aroma indefinitely. My Tuscan combination of rosemary, sage, and garlic creates a blend that amplifies the flavors of your dishes. The blend is carefully crafted to be intense, so be sure to use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming your dishes.

If you're concerned about the salt content, you can reduce the amount of Kosher salt to as little as half a cup. The recipe below is designed to create a particularly intense flavor, suitable for those who enjoy a bold and robust taste.

How to Make Tuscany Seasoning

Ingredients

2 generous cups fresh sage leaves 2 generous cups rosemary needles 8 or 9 large peeled garlic cloves (split and sprouts removed) 3/4 cups Kosher salt Large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper 3 1/2 pint 8 liquid oz. preserves/mason jars with seals

Instructions

Thoroughly wash and dry the mason jars to remove any stale odors before use.

In a food processor, add the sage, rosemary, and garlic, along with about half of the Kosher salt. Pulsate until the garlic and herbs have the texture of coarse salt. Be careful not to over-process, or the mixture may become too fine.

Add the remaining salt and pulse just a few times until combined.

Spread the mixture onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet. It's important not to place the mixture on an uncovered non-stick coated cookie sheet, as it will destroy the surface.

Place the cookie sheet in the warm sun for 8 hours or more. Break any clumps by hand if necessary.

If the mixture is still moist, finish by lightly covering and setting the pan on a counter overnight.

Store your homemade Tuscany Seasoning in 1/2 pint 8 liquid oz. mason jars. These sealed jars help retain the strength of the seasoning and are convenient for use in your kitchen. Customized labels can also be added to the jars for an extra touch of personality.

For more information and a variety of applications for this flavorful seasoning blend, visit my website. While you're there, check out my recipes for Pete’s Garlic Oil and homemade Balsamic Glaze.

Note: Jars of Tuscany Seasoning make terrific gifts for food enthusiasts and those who appreciate the authentic taste of Italian cuisine.

Enjoy your culinary creations and the robust flavors of Tuscany in every dish!

Keywords: Tuscany Seasoning, Homemade Italian Seasoning, Sun Dried Seasoning