Let’s add some spice to your life! The saying, “pumpkin spice and all things nice” is quite true because pumpkin spice is amazing in fall desserts, and spices add a nice touch to any dish. And, by the end of this article, you will know how to make pumpkin spice yourself.
I will also be discussing herbs as well. Even though herbs and spices are not the same, I discuss different herbs here because herbs and spices go hand-in-hand when it comes to cooking. Both add flavor and are seasonings, so the distinction doesn’t matter as much as how you use the herbs and spices.
Check out my other article here with an intro to some more spices.
The Spicy Advantages
I’m a huge advocate for spices because they have transformed how I think about flavor palettes. I learned how to cook last summer (2020), but I’ve really only been cooking for about 5 months total. Spices helped me accelerate my knowledge of cooking and helped me add my own creativity through each of my dishes.
Understanding how spices interact becomes extremely helpful whenever I am roasting vegetables, throwing together a stir fry, or making my own noodle dish. Spices provide you versatility in your cooking since you can customize spice combinations to your preferences. Figure out what kind of combinations you like and what flavors you like. Then add those spices to any dish to make it your own.
Explore
Look into spices from different cuisines around the world. Learn about different cultures through the flavors of their cooking. I am Chinese, and I have had a ton of fun learning about spices used in Asian cuisines. I like to use Five Spice, Szechuan peppercorns (these really have a kick to them, so tastebuds beware), and ginger. I have put around ½ a teaspoon of Five Spice into my noodle dishes or my pork filling for dumplings.
I have also tried Sumac recently which is popular in Middle Eastern and North African cooking. I love the deep crimson coloring. Sumac has a sweet and tart flavor to it and is often compared to lemon zest. I have seen it used in lots of meat marinades as well as on salads and bread. I have put this in my homemade hummus to add a tangy kick.
My favorite combinations
* I usually add a little bit of sea salt to each of these.
- Italy In A Bottle – Oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, parsley
This is great to add to any pasta sauce, Italian dish, or garlic bread. I also like to use this blend with vegetables or over a facciata. Sometimes I omit parsley since it has a very strong flavor that is almost minty.
- Spicy red sisters – Cayenne, paprika, chili powder
Although these look the same and are similar, they have some key differences. Cayenne is by far the spiciest and should be used in small quantities (unless you’d like to light your mouth on fire). Paprika is much milder and made of red peppers. Chili powder has more flavor than kick. These spices go great in any Southwestern or Latin dish. I like to add some to my salsas, guacamole, quesadillas, tacos, and even a little in my scrambled eggs.
- Taco About Tacos – cumin, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, onion powder (optional)
I love to add all of these to act as my own taco seasoning. Try adding some lime and cilantro with these spices for an elevated fresh feel. You can even add this to enchiladas or any dish that you would like to have a southwestern feel. This goes great with cilantro, tomatoes, red onions, and sweet yellow corn– my favorite summer corn salad!
- Radiant Ranch – onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, dill, black pepper
Even if you don’t have parsley or dill, I think the onion powder tastes a lot like ranch already. I like to add this over popcorn– yum!
- Pumpkin Spice And All Things Nice – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, all spice (optional)
This is perfect to add to any latte or to any pies. Try adding this to your next apple pie, pumpkin desserts, or cookies. I especially love to use nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves together.
- East Asian Blend – ginger, garlic powder, five spice, red pepper flakes, Szechuan peppercorns (optional)
Try adding in some soy sauce, black vinegar, cilantro, green onions and a little brown sugar. This makes the best noodle sauce or even try this blend when stir frying some of your favorite vegetables.
- A Geek about Greek – mint, dill, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic
Try adding this greek blend into any greek yogurt or sour cream sauce. This is a delicious, fresh dip for celery and carrots.
- Ragin’ Cajun – cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, thyme
This is perfect with shrimp! Try marinating your shrimp overnight with this blend.
- BBQ Blend – celery salt (or onion powder), dry mustard, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar
Try this as a meat rub or in any marinade! I also like to put this over my roasted chickpeas. I will coat some chickpeas with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Then put in these spices before roasting for 30 minutes at around 400F.
- Everything But the Bagel – poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, dried minced onion
A cult favorite and understandably so! Try this over avocado toast, popcorn, bread, salads, and sandwiches.
- Crossing the Mediterranean – oregano, parsley, rosemary, garlic powder, thyme, basil, black pepper, onion powder
Try this with tofu, salmon, chicken, lentils, pasta, potatoes, fries, and more!
- Curry Curry, Better Hurry – cumin, turmeric, black pepper, dry mustard, cardamom, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, cloves (optional)
Try this curry blend with any rice dish or to spice up your next cooked vegetables. Add some to your stews as well.