Cooking with herbs and spices is one of the easiest ways you can enhance the flavor of your dishes. These ingredients are widely available, inexpensive, and can add depth, complexity, and character to your food. In this post, we’ll explore the world of herbs and spices and how you can use them to make your meals more delicious.
The Difference Between Herbs and Spices
Before we dive in, let’s clarify the difference between herbs and spices. Simply put, herbs are the leaves of plants, while spices typically come from seeds, roots, fruits, or bark. Some examples of common herbs are basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and mint. Some examples of spices are cinnamon, cumin, ginger, turmeric, and coriander.
Herbs and spices can both be used to flavor food and can be used fresh, dried, whole, or ground. When using fresh herbs or spices, it’s important to remember that their flavor will be more pronounced than their dried counterparts.
Basic Tips for Cooking with Herbs and Spices
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s get into some tips for cooking with herbs and spices.
Start small: When using herbs and spices, a little goes a long way. Start with small amounts and taste as you go until you reach your desired flavor.
Pair wisely: Certain herbs and spices enhance certain foods, so it’s important to pair them wisely. For example, thyme and rosemary go well with chicken and potatoes, while cumin and coriander are great with beans and lentils.
Be adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new herbs and spices in your cooking. You never know what delicious flavor combinations you might discover!
Store them properly: Keep your herbs and spices in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavor and potency. It’s also a good idea to label them with the date they were purchased, as they do have a shelf life.
Cooking with Herbs
Let’s start with herbs. Here are some common herbs and how you can use them in your cooking.
Basil: This herb is great in Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza sauce, and pairs well with tomatoes and mozzarella.
Parsley: This herb is often used as a garnish, but can also be added to salads, soups, and stews for a fresh flavor.
Thyme: This herb is a classic ingredient in French cooking and is great in stews, soups, and roasted meats.
Rosemary: This herb has a strong, woody flavor and is great in roasted potatoes, chicken, and lamb dishes.
Mint: This herb is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes and pairs well with lamb, yogurt sauces, and salads.
Cooking with Spices
Now let’s move on to spices. Here are some common spices and how you can use them in your cooking.
Cinnamon: This spice is often associated with desserts, but can also be used in savory dishes such as curries and stews.
Cumin: This spice is commonly used in Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine and is great in chili, tacos, and hummus.
Ginger: This spice is commonly used in Asian cuisine and pairs well with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
Turmeric: This spice has a vibrant yellow color and is often used in Indian curries and rice dishes.
Coriander: This spice has a citrusy flavor and is great in spice blends such as curry powder and garam masala.
Conclusion
Cooking with herbs and spices is a simple way to elevate the flavor of your cooking. With a little experimentation and creativity, you can create delicious flavor combinations that will impress your friends and family. So go ahead, spice up your life with herbs and spices!