If you’re a fan of Mexican food, Montreal is not exactly a bueno place for la comida mexicano. That doesn’t mean you have to resort to brand-name sodium and MSG-based Old El Paso Mexican seasoning. You can make your own using spices from any local grocer. This mix makes about half a cup of seasoning for tacos, burritos, fajitas, or enchiladas.

Ingredients

•     ¼ cup chili powder

•     1 tbsp cumin powder

•     1 tbsp salt

•     1 tbsp ground black pepper

•     ½ tbsp garlic powder

•     ½ tbsp oregano

•     ½ tbsp paprika

•     Red pepper flakes, to taste

Directions

Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix together with a whisk or fork. Store extra seasoning in a Ziploc bag for later use.

To use the seasoning, sauté half a pound of sliced chicken, ground beef, or cubed steak in a frying pan with vegetable oil. Once the meat is cooked, add the seasoning with half a cup of water. Allow the mixture to boil off the excess liquid before serving hot with tortillas and all the trimmings.