Spices

The Heart of Flavorful Cooking

In order to elevate a dish from ordinary to extraordinary you need spices; they are the crucial magic touches. Spices bring complexity, warmth, and depth to your dishes in an unseen and subtle way, whether you’re making a sweet dessert, fresh salad, or a savory stew, spices are the heroes of the dish. Let’s navigate the chapter of spices, how they work, and how to use them in your cooking for extreme deliciousness.

What are Spices?

Derived from different parts of plants (Roots, bark, seeds, fruits…), spices act as an aromatic substance to your food. Used in cooking to enhance taste because they are packed with flavor, but also to add aroma and color to dishes. Different cultures have different spices and spice blends that distinguish their flavors, making spices essential to dishes worldwide.

How Do Spices Work?

Ground vs. Whole

Whole Spices: Whole spices like cinnamon sticks are toasted before being added to the dish

Ground spices like ground black pepper can be integrated quickly into dishes, but they aren’t as potent as whole spices

When to Add Spices

Spices like garlic, cumin, cinnamon, or ginger can be added at the beginning stage of cooking to allow their flavors to release and infuse

Other delicate spices like basil and cilantro leaves can be added at the end to preserve their aroma

Spice Blends

Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika: Perfect for meat seasoning and vegetables as well

Cumin, coriander, garam masala: commonly used in curries and Indian cuisines

Popular Spice Pairs

Salt:  The most crucial spice in the majority of main course/savory meals, pairs with anything!

Cumin: Works well with: Meats, rice, beans, soups, curries

Ginger: Pairs great with: Seafood, baked food, stir-fries and much more, it has a touch of spicy heat that is soothing

Paprika: Works with meats, stews, eggs, and potatoes. It adds a sort of sweet and smoky flavor depending on its type

Cinnamon: Pairs with: Curries, stews, baked food, it has a sweet flavor that complements sweet and savory dishes

Turmeric:  Pairs with: Rice, soups, curries, roasted meats and vegetables.

Chili Pepper Pairs well with almost anything savory, is great for marinating, and adds heat to food.