Taco Seasoning

One hour before our weekly grocery pick-up and the dreaded text comes through “We were unable to fulfill fresh iceberg lettuce.”  No!!!  A quick call to the curbside department and an explanation of my first-world problem: “It’s taco salad night.  How can I serve taco salad without lettuce? Is there anything – organic, bagged…”  Tyler understood and said that he’d look into it.  When Andrew and I returned home and started unpacking our bags, Tyler somehow managed to come through.  Thank you Central Market.

Time to cook.  I head into the pantry for the taco seasoning.  Who didn’t check for the taco seasoning?  David.  Just kidding – that’d be me.  Improvise – web search and this recipe by Bill Echols solved my second first-world problem of the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together.  Seasoning can be stored in an air tight container.

After browning a pound of ground beef, drain the meat.  Return the meat to the skillet and add 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water.  Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.