Once you decide to start using spices in your cooking, you will be amazed how the tastes of food and drinks can be changed in a positive way. And without much work on your part!
If you’re new to cooking with spices, here are some steps to follow:
- Start with basic spices: Begin by experimenting with basic spices that are commonly found in most kitchens such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple roasted vegetables to more complex dishes.
- Learn about the flavor profiles: Every spice has its unique flavor profile. Some spices are sweet, others are savory, and some are spicy. To incorporate spices into your food, it’s essential to understand their flavor profile and how they can enhance different types of dishes.
- Experiment with small quantities: When cooking with spices, it’s best to start with small quantities and gradually add more until you achieve the desired taste. It’s easier to add more spices than to remove them if you’ve used too much.
- Use spice blends: Many spices are often used in combination to create spice blends that are commonly used in specific cuisines. For example, you could try using a curry powder blend in Indian cuisine or a Cajun seasoning blend in Southern cooking.
- Add spices during cooking: To incorporate spices into your food, add them during the cooking process. For example, you can add garlic powder and onion powder when sautéing onions and garlic for a soup or stew. Alternatively, you can add paprika and cumin when browning ground beef for tacos.
- Taste frequently: When cooking with spices, it’s essential to taste frequently to adjust the seasoning as needed. Tasting allows you to determine whether you need to add more spices, salt, or other seasonings to achieve the desired flavor.
Spices to have on hand to start with
As a spice newbie, there are a few key spices that you should have in your spice rack to get started with cooking:
- Salt: Salt is one of the most important spices to have in your kitchen. It enhances the flavor of food and can be used in almost every dish. It also helps to preserve food and can be used as a natural preservative.
- Black pepper: Black pepper is another essential spice to have in your kitchen. It adds heat and flavor to dishes and is used in many recipes. It is also a good source of antioxidants. You can buy it already ground or grind it yourself which most chefs will say is preferable.
- Cumin: Cumin is a spice that is commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisine. It has a warm, earthy flavor and is often used in curries, stews, and chili.
- Paprika: Paprika is a spice made from ground dried peppers. It is used to add color and flavor to dishes and is commonly used in Hungarian cuisine.
- Oregano: Oregano is a herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. It has a slightly bitter flavor and is often used in tomato-based sauces and soups.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder is a convenient way to add garlic flavor to dishes without the hassle of peeling and chopping fresh garlic. It is used in many recipes and can be added to almost any savory dish.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. For cooking, it can be added to baked goods such as muffins or sprinkled over roasted vegetables for a warm, comforting flavor. For drinks, it can be added to coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to add a spicy and sweet note.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a bright yellow spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It can be added to rice dishes, curries, or smoothies to add a warm, earthy flavor and a vibrant yellow color.
These spices are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, making them great for beginners. As you become more comfortable with cooking, you can add other spices to your collection based on your personal taste preferences and the types of cuisine you enjoy cooking.