Using the right spices can truly elevate your cooking, turning an ordinary recipe into an extraordinary flavor adventure. By using the correct spice combinations, you can create vibrant, lively meals. If you’re just starting to explore spices and want to try a wide range without spending too much or wasting any, the following tips from Maktab Sidiati (Kitchen of My Lady) will help you get started.
1. Buy Whole Spices and Grind Them as Needed
If you make no other changes to your seasoning techniques, this alone will enhance the taste and quality of your dishes. It will also save you money, as pre-ground spices tend to be more expensive than whole spices and herbs. Whole spices are generally cheaper, and stores from other countries often sell spices at lower prices.
When you grind your own spices, you can adjust the texture to suit your needs, unlike a one-size-fits-all powder. It’s also fun to experiment with different grinds. You don’t always have to use a spice grinder; you can also crush spices manually using a mortar and pestle for a more rustic texture. Or, use a grinder for a mix of fine and coarse particles to add a crunch, like with cumin.
2. Get Rid of Old Spices
Those small bottles of ground spices might be cluttering your kitchen, but it’s time to let them go. It’s hard to know how long these spices have been sitting on store shelves before they reach your kitchen. Once you learn more about spice blends and how to use them, you’ll realize it's better to discard old, unused spices. Their flavors degrade over time, and they may not have the potency you expect.
3. Buy Spices in Small Quantities
Avoid buying more than you will use in a month, especially from bulk sections in stores. Many major stores now offer bulk spices, and you can often find great prices in small specialty spice markets as well.
This approach ensures you get the freshest product possible since bulk offerings tend to rotate more frequently than packaged ground spices. It also allows you to control how much you have on hand and avoid keeping expired spices in your pantry. Remember, time is the enemy of spices, so it’s best to use them up quickly. Consider buying spice jars in bulk, which are better than flimsy plastic bags for storing spices. Always store them in airtight containers, away from heat and light.
4. Toast Whole Spices Before Grinding
Toasting spices can add a new layer of flavor. Spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and most other "warm" spices benefit from a good toasting before grinding, especially if you’re using them in dishes like soups or purees, where they wouldn’t be roasted along with the food. It's super easy and greatly enhances the flavor. Simply place the spices in a dry pan (no oil) and heat them over high heat.
Shake the pan occasionally to avoid burning. For a light toast, remove the pan from the heat as soon as you smell the spices, and immediately transfer them to a cool, flat surface like a baking sheet or plate. For a deeper, smokier flavor, keep the seeds in the pan over heat until they darken slightly and release a heavier scent. Then, transfer them to a cool surface.
5. Essential Tools for Learning How to Use Spices
Spice Grinder
- Choose one with a removable bowl for easier cleaning. However, you can use a manual coffee grinder if you don’t want to invest in a new tool. If your grinder bowl isn’t removable, wipe it clean after use or grind some plain rice to neutralize the flavors before cleaning it.
Mortar and Pestle
- Grinding spices by hand instead of using an electric grinder brings out the oils in the spices, giving you a slightly different flavor profile. The texture will be coarser and simpler, but that’s often the goal. Grinding by hand also helps release flavor if you're steeping something that will be strained later.
Stainless Steel or Cast Iron Skillet
- Never roast spices in a non-stick skillet. The high temperatures required to toast spices can cause the non-stick coating to break down, leading to unpleasant smells and potentially toxic fumes. Cast iron takes longer to heat up but provides even roasting, while stainless steel works well too—just be careful as spices can burn quickly.
6. How to Use Spices Correctly
Add most spices at the beginning of cooking to allow them time to release their flavors.
Reduce the amount of salt in your dish when using spices like curry and cinnamon to avoid making the food overly salty.
For cold dishes, add the spices well in advance.
Avoid adding hot spices, garlic, curry powder, or paprika directly to hot oil, as they can turn bitter. Instead, stir them into the oil at lower temperatures to bring out their flavor without burning.
7. Proper Spice Storage
Spices lose their potency when exposed to air, so whole spices retain their flavor longer than ground ones. To maximize the freshness and longevity of your spices, follow these storage tips:
Store spices in a cool, dry place, with a temperature around 21°C (70°F).
Ensure the storage area maintains a consistent temperature.
Avoid storing spices near the stove, as heat can damage them by drying out the oils that give each spice its unique flavor. Store them on the opposite side of the room.
Never store spices near windows where sunlight can reach them.
Avoid storing spices in the fridge or freezer, as bringing them in and out of cold storage causes condensation, which can ruin the spices and promote mold growth.
Don't store spices on magnetic racks, as they tend to heat up quickly in close proximity to heat sources like stoves or sunlight from windows.
Best 5 Spice Blends You Can Make in Your Kitchen
Spicy Spice Mix
Best with: Soups, stews, and sauces.
Ingredients:
2½ tbsp Chili Powder
1 tbsp Cumin, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder
½ tbsp Thyme
1 tsp Sea Salt, Black Pepper
Jerk Seasoning Mix
Best with: Seafood, chicken, vegetables.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp Dried Onion (chopped)
1 tbsp Thyme, Allspice, Black Pepper, Cinnamon
1 tsp Chili Powder, Garlic Powder
½ tsp Sea Salt
Mediterranean Spice Mix
Best with: Chicken, fish, lamb for tropical flavors.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Sea Salt, Basil, Thyme
1 tbsp Parsley, Coriander, Nutmeg, Dried Onion
1 tsp Black Pepper
All-Purpose Spice Mix
Best with: Any dry or wet dish.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Onion Powder, Garlic Powder
1 tbsp Paprika, Chili Powder, Parsley
1½ tsp Black Pepper
Ranch Spice Mix
Best with: Foods eaten by hand like popcorn, chicken strips, wings, celery, carrots, and salads.
Ingredients:
2½ tsp Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Parsley
2 tsp Dried Onion, Dried Dill
1½ tsp Sea Salt
1 tsp Dried Chives, Black Pepper
½ cup Dried Buttermilk
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredients well and store them in airtight containers for future use.
By following these tips and experimenting with different spices, you'll quickly become proficient at using them in your cooking. Spices are an essential part of making meals that not only taste amazing but are also full of health benefits!
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