Spices: The Must-Haves
Are you tired of the same old cooking routine and want to make things more interesting in the kitchen? Or perhaps you’ve finally locked down your go-to meals and are looking to kick it up a notch?
Introducing the wonderful world of spices!
What is a spice?
Spices are flavourings made from seeds, berries, fruits, bark and roots. They are a great way to add an extra “oumpht” to any type of meal as they can help to transform your usual homemade meals into beautiful and delicious creations.
Why cook with spices?
Spices offer a variety of health benefits and can easily be added to any kind of recipe. They also add lots of flavour, colour and zest to your favourites recipes & meals without adding any salt, sugar or fat. Learn to cook with spices more often at home and be open to exploring a world of different cultures!
A few of examples include…
Cumin in Mexican Tacos
Garam Masala in Indian Butter Chicken
Star anise in Vietnamese Noodle Soup
Here’s my list of the top 5 spices to add to your pantry:
a) Garlic
Garlic is a versatile ingredient that is often used as a base for many different recipes. Add it to your salad dressing, your homemade soups, stews or curries. It is especially delicious when sautéed with vegetables (especially leafy greens!). Garlic is also rich in a compound called allicin, which is commonly known for its antioxidant properties in helping to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Some recipes to try…
b) Ginger
Traditionally used in Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines, ginger adds a hint of tanginess and sweetness in savoury dishes such as soups, stews, curries, and sautés. It is also often added to baked goods & beverages such as gingerbread, spiced cookies, ginger ale and ginger beer. The best way to store it? Freeze it. The best way to peel it? With a spoon!
Some recipes to try…
c) Chili
When in doubt, make it hot! Chili adds a spicy kick to any and every type of meal. From cooked meats to noodles to chocolate, a spicy touch can to help to enhance flavour and stimulate your senses. Chili peppers have also been shown to help strengthen the immune system.
Some recipes to try…
d) Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that is used to add both flavour and colour (a bright yellow) to foods. It is most commonly used in Indian, South East Asian and Caribbean cuisine. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it is recommended to consume with black pepper as it is better absorbed.
Some recipes to try…
e) Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a fragrant bark that has a sweet, woody and fruity flavour. It can be bought either ground or whole (sticks) and can be used in a widespread of different recipes.
Some recipes to try…
Your next big adventure: the wonderful word of herbs!
The next time you’re brainstorming your recipes for the week , take a few moments to think about the spiced additions! Remember…
Explore new cultures ─ don’t be afraid to try something new by giving your taste buds a trip around the world!
Know your combinations ─ the secret to success is in the right spice pairing.
Get creative ─ have fun with it! Start by finding spiced versions of your favourite type of recipes such as lattes, cookies and banana bread.
What’s your favourite spice to cook with?