In the world of culinary art, spices are like the colours on a painter’s palette – they add depth, character and flavour to dishes from all over the world. From spicy chillies to aromatic herbs, each spice contributes to the unique taste experience of a dish. Let’s take a journey through the world of typical spices and discover in which dishes they shine.
Garlic
With its pungent flavour and aromatic fragrance, garlic is an indispensable ingredient in numerous cuisines around the world. From Italian pastas to Asian stir-fries, garlic adds a delicious savouriness. Try it in classics like garlic prawns, garlic bread or even in a simple tomato sauce for a delectable flavour.
Curcuma
This bright yellow spice is known for its warm and slightly bitter flavour. People use it mainly in Indian cuisine. It is an essential ingredient in curries and gives rice dishes a beautiful colour. You also add it to drinks such as golden milk, a warming and healing drink based on turmeric, milk and spices.
Coriander
Coriander leaves are often found as a garnish, but the ground seeds add a unique citrus flavour to dishes. They are a signature component of curry powders and are often added to stews, soups and marinades. Coriander seeds are also used in several world cuisines, such as in Mexican salsas and Thai curries.
Cumin
Cumin seeds have a warm, earthy flavour found mainly in Mediterranean, Mexican and Indian cuisine. It is added to chilis, taco fillings, couscous dishes and curries for a deep, nutty flavour. Roasted cumin seeds can also be ground and added to spice blends such as garam masala.
Paprika
Paprika comes in several varieties, ranging from sweet to pungent. You mainly use this spice to add flavour and colour to dishes. Sweet paprika is often used in Spanish paella and Hungarian goulash, while smoked paprika is an essential ingredient in Spanish chorizo and BBQ rubs.
Ginger
Ginger adds a spicy, refreshing flavour to dishes, mainly in Asian cuisine. People use ginger mainly in curries, stir-fries, cakes and even in drinks such as ginger tea and cocktails. Ground ginger can also be found in spice mixtures such as curry powder.
Chili flakes
Chili peppers add heat and complexity to dishes. From Mexican salsas to Thai curries and Sichuanese dishes, chilli peppers are a versatile ingredient that gives dishes a spicy kick. You use them fresh, dried, ground or powdered, depending on the desired flavour and heat.
Spices are the building blocks of flavour in the culinary world. By using different spices, chefs can create a range of flavours that excite the senses and enrich the dining experience. Whether it is a simple stew or an exotic curry, spices add depth and complexity to dishes and make every meal an unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? Step out of your comfort zone, experiment with different spices and discover a world of flavours waiting to be discovered. Enjoy your meal!