I don’t know about you, but I am still feeling a little guilty about that extra 5 pounds I gained over Christmas!
Oh, who am I kidding, it was more like 10 pounds…
While I’ve already admitted I don’t make resolutions because I can’t take the pressure that comes with them, I do get sucked into all the health conscious, get more exercise marketing that barrages us every January. Speaking of guilt, eh?
So at least for January I try to avoid foods smothered in gravy and things like barbecue sauce.
Dry rubs are a great alternative to barbecue sauce, because they are full of flavor and have none of the fat and calories that just make me cringe.
This particular dry rub is a VERY family friendly version, after all I do have three little piglets. This definitely has a little kick to it, but not so much as to offend a more sensitive palette. If you’re making it for an all adult crowd, or you just plain old want it spicier, feel free to add a little more of the chipotle chili pepper.
It’s also good on chicken, pork, beef… the sky is the limit!
Smoky Dry Rub
2 tbs. smoked paprika
2 tbs. black pepper
1 tbs. dried chipotle chili pepper
4 tsp. dried thyme
1 tbs. garlic powder
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. salt
Combine ingredients together in a small bowl, and store in an airtight container until needed.
**Don’t forget while you’re here that today is the last day to winner this super awesome 2012 planner which could make all your chores a snap!
I love using a dry rub, but it has been a long time since I have made one. The blend of seasonings in this spicy dry rub sound delicious. I will definitely add a little more chipotle chili pepper to kick it up a notch or two!. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
I love a good rub. I use them all the time. This one looks first rate and I love the inclusion of smoked paprika. Well done there!
I love dry rubs, they are so intensely flavorful.
Great recipe, I never know what to add to a rub when i try to make them myself. Thank you!
Jen,
I’ll bet that would be awesome on catfish, too – instead of blackend seasoning. Buzzed and bookmarked for future reference.
I love a good rub. Especially on steak. Great meat needs no sauce. If I’m going to spend money on a Porterhouse or a T bone, all I want is a dry rub.
And after my medical procedures last year I couldn’t do my regular exercises for a while – only walk. I was terrified I would gain my weight back. I stuck to healthy eating and walks and I kept it off. It’s things like dry rubs that help you do that.
As far as eating a lot – The cooler weather does it to me – It’s been cool down here in FL and I’ve been on this shove Cheeze-its and Peanut butter cups into my face before I go to bed at night (blogging makes me hungry). I have to stop that!!! Bad, MK. I’ve had to ramp up my “forty-four-four -” four days of exercising 40 minutes to five days. Jillian Michaels is getting sworn at more often by me lately. LOL (I have her DVDs).
I digress. Great post and I’ll let you know when I try your rub!
That sounds like a wonderful rub…a little spicy, a little savory. Now if only the weather would cooperate so I could go buy a grill!
Sounds like a great alternative, and I am sure it’s full of flavor…Will try it! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day sweetie!
I don’t use nearly enough rubs. What a great calorie free way to get tons of flavor into your dinner!
The hubby and I are dry rub people. Even at BBQ places we request the sauce on the side! This rub is a good blend of flavors, well worth a try.
Sounds delicious! I just made dry rubs to give as Christmas gifts for my siblings. One was a Chimichurri rub, the other a Tandoori rub. Our 2 boys (5 & 2) love them both! They were online at Bon Appetit. I am going to try yours next.
I really enjoy a good rub I almost prefer it to a sauce of any sort. I love the flavor it imparts. This sounds fantastic I will have to give it a try.
No one would miss the calories in this rub! I have been studiously avoiding the scale and eating salad every day for lunch, but I need a good dinner. This rub would be fantastic on a steak.
This is right up my alley, Jen! I love homemade rubs and spice mixes!
I love mixing spices together for rubs. Penzey spices is a great place to see flavor combination and get inspired. They you can make your own. Great way to enhance flavor and save money.
I LOVE Penzey’s with a capital L!
The possibilities for this rub are endless!
This is a GREAT rub, Jen! I’m a huge fan of dry rubs because of my allergic to most commercial ketchups, cinnamon and worcestershire (I make my own minus allergens). So – I don’t get to often enjoy BBQ…that it has a health benefit is a BONUS! Thanks so much for this one – it’s a winner!
I love to grill up chicken and keep it in the fridge so I have lean protein available at lunch and don’t grab leftover pasta or some such thing. This looks like it would be great for grilled chicken. Thanks!
I gained like 10 lbs since summer. Yep, really bad! I’m trying to lose all that plus extra as I was trying to lose another 7 lbs before gaining 10lbs…. arh! Anyway this rub sounds fantastic and it’s on my list to try!
Ooh, I love dry rubs! This one sounds delicious.
This is a great rub. Thanks for sharing.
I think I always have 10 lbs to lose after Christmas. This would help–you could put it on a sponge and it would probably taste good.
Dry rubs really are a great way to impart flavor without all of the calories. This one looks so great. You really are NOT alone in the 10 pound department. ahem.
I love rubs. This one is packed with spicy goodness. I cannot believe how many people are fasting this month. I am so not into that whole craze!
Oh, boy does this combo sound delicious! I’m imagining it on chicken or pork to start with! And I’m with you about watching what I eat after all the goodies in December…yikes!
Dry rubs are really the way to go! This one looks great!! I got a new smoker for Christmas and have been experiementing. So funny that the last rub I tried is almost exactly the same as yours, except I added some sugar (maple and brown) and a lil bit of cumin and cinnamon but basically the same. I just love smoked paprika and chipotle!
I love using dry rubs. I will have to give this one a try..it sounds great!
I brought home a package of rub/marinate from the US last time I was there. Loved to use it! I cannot wait to make my own, thanks to your recipe!
You’re very welcome!