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If you’re anything like me, you love to eat but don’t always love to cook. I’m not going to lie, I get by with a lot of help from my friends (a.k.a. takeout and delivery). But there are those occasions when I have to step up to the plate and whip something up from scratch.
And on those occasions, I always make sure I have these 10 spices on hand. With these spices in your kitchen, you’ll be able to make just about anything taste great!
1. Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a must-have for anyone who loves Italian food (or really any food, for that matter). Spaghetti, lasagna, garlic bread…yum! garlic powder can be used in so many different dishes to add a little extra flavor.
Garlic powder is a great way to add flavor to food without using fresh garlic. This is especially convenient if you’re short on time or don’t have any fresh garlic on hand. And it is more potent than fresh garlic, so you can use less of it and still get that signature garlicky flavor.
Be it roasted vegetables or grilled chicken, we at Dawn’s Recipes always use it to add another depth of flavor to our dishes.
2. Onion Powder
When it comes to cooking, there are a few things that can make or break a dish. One of those things is the spices that you use. Using the right spice can completely transform a dish, making it more flavorful and interesting.
Onion powder is one such spice. It’s perfect for adding a little depth of flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Plus, it’s a great way to add a little extra flavor to veggies without having to slice up a fresh onion (which can be a bit of a pain).
So next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to reach for the onion powder. It just might be the ingredient that takes your dish from good to great.
3. Paprika
Paprika is a versatile spice that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It’s commonly used in Spanish and Hungarian cuisine, and it adds a beautiful color as well as flavor to dishes like paella and goulash.
4. Curry Powder
Any fan of Indian food knows that curry powder is an essential ingredient. This spice blend, which typically includes turmeric, cumin, and chili pepper, gives curries their characteristic flavor and yellow color.
Curry powder can be used in all sorts of dishes, from chicken tikka masala to vegetable curries. It’s also a versatile ingredient – you can use it to make a quick and easy curry paste, or you can use it to make a more complicated and flavorful dish. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, you’ll find that curry powder is a valuable addition to your kitchen pantry.
5. Cumin
Cumin is another spice that is commonly used in Indian cooking. It has an earthy, smoky flavor that pairs well with chicken, lamb, and lentils. Cumin is also an ingredient in many curry powders.
6. Chili Powder
Chili powder is a blend of chili peppers and other spices like cumin and garlic powder. It’s most commonly used in Tex-Mex cuisine like enchiladas and tacos (my personal favorite). But it can also be used to add some heat to soups and stews or sprinkled over roasted vegetables.
7. Basil
Basil is an herbal seasoning that is most commonly associated with Italian cuisines like pesto sauce and Margherita pizza (yum!). But basil can also be used in Thai dishes like pad Thai or added to soup or salad for extra flavor.
Basil has a strong, aromatic flavor that pairs well with other strong flavors like garlic and ginger. In addition to its flavor, basil also has gentle antibacterial properties. For this reason, it is often used in soups and salads to help keep the food fresh.
With its vibrant flavor and versatile uses, basil is an herb that should be in every cook’s pantry.
8. Thyme
Thyme is another herb that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s commonly used in Mediterranean cooking as well as soups and stews (like the classic French dish bouillabaisse). Thyme also goes well with roasted root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary is yet another herb that works equally well in sweet and savory dishes. It’s often used in Mediterranean cooking, such as roast chicken or lamb. Rosemary also works well with roasted potatoes, as well as other root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips.
10. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is usually thought of as a baking spice, but it can actually be used in savory dishes as well, cinnamon-spiced beef stew is surprisingly delicious! cinnamon can also be added to roasted veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash for extra flavor. it’s even good sprinkled over popcorn!
These are just 10 of the many spices that can take your cooking game to the next level! With these spices on hand, you’ll be able to make just about anything taste great!
So get out there and experiment. Who knows what deliciousness you’ll come up with. Bon appétit!
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