Some nights, dinner starts with chicken and a few vegetables. Other nights, it’s a couple of cans of beans and a pot of rice. Having seasonings you know how to use makes those everyday ingredients easier to turn into a meal.
That’s why I put together The Starter Kitchen Bundle. I chose four blends that give you different places to start: an herby ranch dip, garlicky chicken, a pot of Cuban-style beans, or slow-cooked meat for taco night.
Here’s how to put each one to work.
The Real Dill Ranch: For Dips, Potatoes, and More
The Real Dill Ranch Blend brings dill and savory herbs to more than salad dressing. Stir it into sour cream and mayo or plain yogurt for a vegetable dip or toss it with potatoes and a little oil before roasting.
An easy place to start: Roasted ranch potatoes alongside chicken, with extra dip for the table.
Cuban Mojo: For Garlicky Chicken
Cuban Mojo Blend brings Cuban-inspired seasoning to chicken, pork, fish, and vegetables. Mix it with oil and fresh citrus juice for a marinade.
The citrus is something you add yourself, so you can adjust the balance to your taste.
An easy place to start: Mojo chicken served with rice and black beans.
Taco Bout Birria: For Your Next Taco Night
Taco Bout Birria Blend adds rich, smoky flavor and a little heat. Use it to season slow-cooked beef chuck or try it on ground beef tacos for a quick meal.
An easy place to start: Shredded or ground beef tucked into warm tortillas with diced onion, cilantro,mozz cheese and a squeeze of lime.
Cuban Beans: For a Pantry Staple Worth Repeating
Cuban Beans Blend adds savory, aromatic flavor to a pot of beans. It’s useful with dried beans when you have time to cook, or canned beans when dinner needs to happen sooner.
An easy place to start: Simmer canned black beans with the blend, add your sofrito (see recipe) then cook until flavors come together and serve over rice.
A Few Questions Before You Start
Is this bundle good for beginner cooks?
Yes. Each blend combines several seasonings, giving you a starting point without having to build a spice mixture yourself. Follow the product directions or our TruFlavor recipes for amounts, especially when trying a blend for the first time.
Do I need to make a whole new recipe?
No. Start with something you already cook—roasted potatoes, chicken, beans, or taco filling—and try one blend at a time.
You don’t need to overhaul your kitchen to bring something different to dinner. Start with a meal you know and a flavor you’re curious about.