Hi Foodlovers!
Have you ever found yourself in the kitchen, staring at a jar full of spices wondering what to make? Or perhaps, you are trying to cook and can't figure out which spice is missing from the recipe. This blog post will help guide you through your cooking experiences by giving you some essential tips on how to use spices. I hope that this blog post helps make cooking easier for all of us!
Let's get started with our list of the most essential spices:
1) Garlic Powder - Garlic powder is used as an alternative to fresh garlic because it takes less time and has less hassle than chopping or pressing garlic cloves (and who really wants their fingers smelling like garlic?). If using the powder form, make sure to measure it out.
For the fresh garlic, try roasting or caramelizing them for added flavour and sweetness.
Keep in mind that when using fresh garlic cloves (and not powder), you'll want to add more because of its potency than if you were just adding a pinch of powdered garlic- about half the amount!
2. Basil - a herb that has a peppery flavour and can be used in soups, sauces, and salad dressings. Basil can be used fresh or dried.
Dried basil is perfect if you are in a pinch and want to cook something quickly, but there's nothing like the flavour of fresh basil leaves! If using the fresh form, make sure it doesn't go bad by storing it properly in an airtight container after chopping off any woody stems that may have formed on top of them.
Keep your basil dry as much as possible because water will cause its leaves to wilt and turn black faster than anything else would.
Store this herb in a dark place away from direct sunlight with plenty of room for airflow. You also might consider investing in glass jars specially made for herbs, so they'll last longer when stored right.
3. Thyme - this herb has a spicy aroma with hints of lemon and can be used to season vegetables or meat before roasting them.
Use thyme fresh or dried, but if you're using the dry form be mindful that it will need to be added in closer to the time of cooking, so its flavour can really come out and mix with whatever else you're making.
If your recipe calls for both types, try adding fresh first then follow up with dried herbs later on to give them a chance to mingle while roasting away!
Thyme is one of those versatile spices that pairs well with almost anything, from vegetables and meat (especially lamb!) to soups and stews. It's perfect for any type of meal- breakfast, lunch, dinner...even dessert! Thyme also has many health benefits, including being an anti-inflammatory aid.
4. Oregano - this herb has earthy notes with citrus undertones, which make it perfect for tomato sauce or pasta dishes.
Use fresh or dried oregano in recipes, but if you're just using it for a sprinkle of flavor on top then use the dry form.
Like thyme, this herb can be used both ways: fresh and dried with adjustments depending on your cooking needs. It's perfect to season everything from vegetables to pasta dishes! Make sure not to add too much as this is one spice that has quite an intense taste so be mindful when adding more than what the recipe calls for. Oregano also helps prevent heart attack and stroke by lowering cholesterol levels .
If you want some other flavourful suggestions, check out our blog post about New Zealand's Best Spices !
5. Cumin - this spice is commonly found in Mexican cuisine as well as Indian curry recipes because of its nutty aroma with a hint of pepper.
It is used in many recipes for its earthy and savory flavor, but cumin can be overpowering, so make sure not to use too much at once or it will leave your dish very spicy!
Cumin has plenty of health benefits like being an anti-inflammatory agent as well as helping with digestion .
6. Paprika - the most common use for paprika is to add color to food, but it also adds a nice smoky flavor when sprinkled on potatoes or eggs .
If you're looking for a different flavor than the traditional paprika flavors, consider using smoked or sweet paprikas! Sweet paprika has an earthy taste with notes of pepper and is great as a dry rub on meats while smoked paprika can be used to add smoky depth in dishes.
Paprika's health benefits include promoting healthy skin by fighting against free radicals that damage cells while also helping prevent cancer from spreading .
7) Black pepper - black pepper may not seem like an essential seasoning at first glance, but think of all the different ways you could sprinkle some onto your meal! It's best if you have both white and black peppercorns on hand so you can mix up your dishes more often than just using one type all the time 8) Rosemary - rosemary is mostly known for being used with poultry since it gives off such strong flavor, but it also pairs well with other meats like lamb and beef.
8)Rosemary is a strong herb that should be used sparingly because too much will make your dish taste bitter. This spice goes really nicely with tomatoes, so consider pairing the two together when you're making sauces or stews!
Health benefits of rosemary include helping to prevent Alzheimer's disease thanks to its antioxidant properties, while also fighting against cancer cells .
What are some of your essential spices? Share them in the comments below!"