Craving something new for your kitchen lineup? Let's add excitement to your everyday meals with some seriously good spice blends from around the world. No need to be a chef to work these into your meals – they're easy to use, and they pack quite a flavorful punch.
We're talking mixes that will add some pop to your food and make your dinner guests ask for seconds. From the fiery kick of North African spices to the subtle heat of Japanese seasonings, these 9 spice blends are perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of excitement to their cooking.
We've got everything that can brighten up your barbecue, add pizzazz to your pastas, and even bring a surprising quirk to your breakfast eggs. And the best part? You don't need a passport to take your palate on a trip around the globe.
These spice mixes come from all corners of the earth, and they're right there waiting for you to use them. So, grab your pots and pans, and let's start cooking. Trust me, your meals are about to get a whole lot more interesting.
Harissa
Tired of the same old chicken routine? Shake things up with a flavor explosion using harissa. This North African bad boy is a fiery harissa paste consisting of red chilies and spices like cumin and coriander. You can taste some hints of smokiness and a touch of sweetness, adding more depth and complexity to its flavor profile. Traditionally served as a condiment in Tunisia and Morocco, harissa is incredibly versatile. Dip pita bread in it, drizzle it over couscous, or use it as a spicy but sweet marinade for meats and veggies. If you're into hot flavors, make sure you try zhug, Yemenite hot sauce, and Colombian ají.
Togarashi
Togarashi is a Japanese seven-spice blend that includes red chili pepper, sansho pepper, roasted orange peel, black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, hemp seed, and ground ginger. Togarashi literally translates to "chilies," and true to its name, it gives a subtle heat that aims to enhance, not to overpower. Sprinkle it over noodles for a vibrant kick, use it as a finishing touch for ramen or donburi bowls, or even add a pinch to popcorn for a sweet and spicy surprise. Ditch the usual salt and pepper, and use the flavorful complexity togarashi can add to your everyday meals.
Garam Masala
Take a trip to India with Garam Masala, a spice blend that's more than just heat. It features a complex mix of earthy cumin, sweet cinnamon and cardamom, peppery cloves, black peppercorns, and the occasional nutmeg, mace, fennel seeds, or bay leaves. Sprinkle it over simmering curries for an extra layer of complexity, use it to season roasted vegetables or lentils, or even add a pinch to stews, curries, and soups for a touch of spice that'll have you craving seconds. Plus, garam masala is thought to promote digestion according to Ayurvedic medicine, making it a healthy addition to your dishes.
Ras el Hanout
Ras el hanout is an alluring blend that translates to "head of the shop," implying it's the best-selling kitchen spice mix. Considered the heart and soul of Moroccan cuisine, Ras el hanout is made of lavender, cumin, coriander, cardamom, black peppercorns or chilies, turmeric, rose petals, and cinnamon. Exotic ingredients such as orris roots or grains of paradise are also added to create an unexpected depth. It can be sprinkled over simmering tagines for an intoxicating aroma, used as seasoning couscous or stews, added to roasted vegetables, or even made into a shawarma seasoning mix. We love sprinkling it on cheese and apple skewers for an unexpected appetizer. Ras el hanout is your pathway to learning the magic of Moroccan cuisine.
Berbere
A core of Ethiopian cuisine, berbere is a urgent blend that typically includes chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, korarima, rue, ajwain, nigella, and fenugreek. It can be used to create fragrant stews and curries, like Ethiopia's national dish, Doro Wat. Berbere is also ideal for seasoning lentils and meats, sprinkled over grilled veggies, or used as a dry rub for some flavor explosion. If you're feeling creative, you can whip up a batch of injera, a spongy Ethiopian flatbread. Whatever you decide to make, berbere is sure to weave in a cultural tapestry of flavor over your dishes.
Chinese Five-Spice
Chinese five-spice powder is a potent and aromatic blend that encompasses the five fundamental taste elements: sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty. It is traditionally made with star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, each contributing its distinctive profile to create a harmonious fusion. This blend is not just about adding heat but rather depth and complexity to dishes. Chinese five-spice is commonly used in marinades, as a rub for roasted meats, and in the preparation of stews and braises. Its versatility also extends to baked goods and desserts—an unlikely combination, but it's awesome I promise!
Za'atar
A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, za'atar is a combination of herbs, seeds, and spices. It's known not only for its flavor but also for its cultural significance and health benefits. It is traditionally made with dried thyme, oregano, and marjoram mixed with sesame seeds, sumac, and often salt. Its recipe can vary regionally, with some variations including other herbs such as savory, mint, basil, Aleppo pepper, or other thyme varieties. Za'atar is incredibly versatile; it's used as a seasoning for meats and vegetables, incorporated into salads, sprinkled over hummus, labneh (a thick yogurt-based cheese), and flatbreads, or mixed with olive oil to create a dip for bread.
Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a vibrant, uncooked sauce that hails from Argentina and Uruguay, celebrated for its bold, herbaceous flavor. It is usually made with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar, which are then whisked together with olive oil to create an emulsion. The sauce is often enlivened with a kick of red pepper flakes, adding a subtle heat that complements the tangy and garlicky profile. It's excellent as a marinade for poultry and fish, as a vibrant dressing for roasted vegetables, or even as a flavorful addition to sandwiches and salads. Chimichurri is famously used as a garnish to the famed Argentinian empanadas and asado.
Chamoy
Prepare yourself for a flavor fiesta with chamoy, a Mexican condiment with a complex flavor profile that masterfully combines pickled fruit—such as apricots, plums, or mangoes—blended with chili peppers, lime juice, and a mix of seasonings, which often includes powdered salted plums, sugar, and sometimes vinegar. Chamoy's origins can be traced to the Chinese community in Mexico, where it evolved from salted dried fruit to the versatile condiment it is today. It is commonly used as a dip or drizzle over fresh fruits and vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors with its tangy zest. It's also a popular addition to snacks like potato chips, nuts, and even popsicles or Mexican shaved ice known as "raspados."
A flavorful feast awaits you
So, there you have it – a roundup of 9 incredible spice mixes that can really shake up the way you cook your meals. Each of these blends has the power to turn your everyday dishes into something to rave about to your dinner guests.
Remember, cooking doesn't have to be a chore. It's all about having fun and playing around with new flavors. These spice mixes are perfect for that. They're easy to use and can be added to all sorts of dishes. Whether you're grilling, sautéing, or just tossing together a quick salad, a sprinkle of these spices can make a world of difference.
So go ahead, give them a try. There's no right or wrong way to do it – just follow your nose and your taste buds. You're in for a great time in the kitchen, and your dishes are about to get a whole lot more exciting. Happy cooking!
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