Coffee Spice Rub

Grilling season is right around the corner and this spice blend is the perfect way to kick off Summer. Spices are an underappreciated way of improving one's health. Fresh herbs and spices are high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and minerals; however, the dried versions are significantly higher in antioxidants than their fresh version. This blend uses spices you more than likely have at home and can be used on a variety of lean proteins as well as tofu. It also includes ground coffee, which research shows contains compounds beneficial for the health of our liver.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ground coffee
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
2. Store spice blend in an airtight container, in a cool dry place.

Notes

• Leave out the salt for a heart-healthy version.
• If using as a dry rub, liberally coat your lean protein of choice with the spice mixture, massaging with your hands. Let the protein sit to ‘marinate’ for as long as you like so the flavors penetrate the protein source, then cook as desired.
• For those on a plant-based diet, try lightly tossing tofu or garbanzo beans with olive oil and sprinkling with the mixture until well coated. Roast in the air fryer or oven and enjoy as a flavorful snack or salad topping. Apply this same method to portobello mushroom caps as burger patty replacement.
• This blend can also be sprinkled on vegetables prior to grilling.