Want to cook tastier food at home? It all starts with the right ingredients. And arguably the most important of all? Your spices! Stocking your pantry with these 12 essential spices might not turn you into a master chef immediately, but it sure is a good start. They're the key to adding depth, flavor and complexity to your dishes, and your (not so) secret weapons for success!
Salt
Let's start with the obvious one: salt. Salt is a true kitchen staple, and essential for enhancing any dish. From savory dishes to, yes, even sweet ones - I use salt in almost every single recipe. It balances some flavors and enhances others, and I'd recommend you keep both fine table salt and salt flakes on hand at all times. They're great for different things, and you'd do well to learn when to use which one!
Garlic Salt
Garlic salt is a versatile seasoning that combines the bold flavors of garlic and salt, and can be used both for adding garlic flavor and a bit of depth and richness to a wide range of dishes. I use it for everything from pasta to grilled meats, and it's a convenient way to avoid chopping garlic.
Cumin
Cumin is well known and loved for its warm and earthy notes, and a must-have for any home cook who enjoys Mexican or Tex-Mex food! It is however used in many other cuisines as well, and often found in curries, tacos, and rice dishes. Its distinctive aroma and taste add a unique dimension to various culinary creations, and there really is nothing quite like it.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is the perfect blend of spices for adding heat to chili, but it's also great for seasoning soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. It provides a fiery kick along with a blend of flavors which makes it more complex than if you'd just use for example jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Paprika Powder
Paprika offers a mild, sweet or smoky flavor, depending on the variety. It's essential for dishes like Hungarian goulash and deviled eggs, and great for adding some color to your cooking. I always keep both a regular and a smoked variety on hand, as they do add very different flavors. Beware, do not use the smoked kind if the recipe calls for regular paprika powder - unless you really know what you're doing...
Dried Rosemary
This aromatic herb is ideal for enhancing the taste of roasted meats, poultry, and potatoes. Its earthy and slightly piney flavor is common in classic dishes, and it's a great way to add a touch of Mediterranean flavor to your cooking. Want that comforting, homemade taste of a roast at your mom's house? Add some rosemary.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a sweet and warming spice that's useful for both sweet and savory dishes. I use it for desserts, baked goods, and for savory Moroccan, Indian and Thai dishes. Cinnamon is great for balancing flavors, and the slight sweetness makes it a great addition to spicy dishes.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and sharp, pungent flavor. It's an everyday spice we use for seasoning everything from scrambled eggs to grilled steaks, and it pairs well with almost any dish. There are a few dishes where white pepper will work even better - but for 99% of dishes you make at home you will want to add a bit of black pepper.
Fresh ground is best, of course, but I say the pre-ground version works fine as well, and it's what I use most often.
Dried Oregano
A staple in Italian and Mediterranean cooking, dried oregano adds a distinct herbal taste to pizza, pasta sauces, and grilled meats. It's versatile and useful for many types of dishes, just don't use too much or whatever you're making can end up tasting like pizza. Which might be what you're after sometimes - but not always.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is another convenient way to infuse dishes with garlic flavor without the hassle of chopping or mincing fresh garlic. I like to keep both garlic powder and garlic salt on hand, since the first is a great all-in-one spice and garlic powder is good when you want a bit more garlic flavor without having your food end up too salty.
Dried Thyme
Dried thyme has an earthy, minty flavor that works great with lots of different dishes, such as roasted chicken, soups, and sautéed vegetables. It's not as commonly used as rosemary so it can be a fun way to step it up a notch and surprise your guests.
Onion Powder
Just as with garlic powder, onion powder is a handy alternative to using fresh onions. While the flavor is a bit different, it's a decent substitute when you just want a touch of onion flavor. I love it for seasoning burgers, meatloaf, pasta and steak.
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