This is for your own benefit! You can easily make your home cooking at least twice as better if you add herbs and spices to your meals. It unlocks such an interesting world of flavour, all for a few cents! Cooking at home would be so much more rewarding and cheaper than eating take-away meals! Here, we’ll show you some you can find in a common supermarket, nothing fancy buddy.
The indian continent produces about 75% of the world’s spices. This is reflected in their cuisine, most notably in the use of garam masala and curry. Spices were and still are mostly produced in Asia and the middle east. Europe was always a huge customer for herbs and spices, whether it was the ancient Egyptians for mummification and medicines, the King of Aragon in the 12th century to spice his wine or for good health against the pandemics at the time.
The key to good food is here!
Paprika
A popular spice which can range from mild to hot. It is a mixture of sweet orange and red peppers. It pairs amazingly with most meats, roast potatoes and makes a great addition for a sauce. Paprika is a must have in your pantry of spices.
Cumin
Another popular spice that is primarily used for barbeque and chili blends. It is also a staple in indian dishes and asian dishes. Gives a warm feel to your food.
Ginger
One of the most versatile spices that you can easily find. You can use it in baking, making ginger ale and ginger beer, gingerbread cookies. It is a staple in asian stir fries, soups and meats as well. It has a sweet and spicy flavour, with a very overpowering taste if too much is added.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon gives a sweet and fruity flavour to your food. Can be found in indian food, cinnamon rolls and with bread. Personal tip: it pairs really well with grilled pineapple.
Curry Powder
This has about 20 or more spices, blended all into one. Very strong and spicy taste. Goes great with soups, sauces, meats of all kinds and other things.
Nutmeg
Moving on to a sweeter spice, nutmeg can give an aromatic touch to your dishes. Mostly popular with baked goods such as breads and pies. It can pair nicely with soups and vegetables as well.
Cayenne
If you want a hot dish, this is the one for you! A mix of tropical chilies, it gives a powerful punch to many dishes, including African, Chinese, Indian, Mexican cuisines. You can put it on most things, just don’t make it too spicy for yourself.
Chinese Five Spices
If you are a fan of chinese cooking, you have to have this, together with MSG! It is an equal mixture of cinnamon, cloves (not the garlic ones, the buds of the tropical clove tree), fennel seeds, star anise and szechuan peppercorns. Pairs amazingly with soy sauce!
These are some of the many spices that you can find ready made. You can also mix these, creating whole new flavour profiles, sauces and tastes. Alternatively, you can buy the seeds, pepper, fruit, bark etc and turn it into powder, using a mortar and pestle. For sauces, you can mix them using an immersion blender. Until then, get your spices and get ready to cook!