The Quick Guide to Spices and Herbs

Spices build depth and complexity in our dishes, especially in slow-cooked sauces and meats; while a handful of fresh herbs right before serving adds a refreshing and aromatic element to salads and soups. By mastering your knowledge of spices and herbs, including their flavor profiles, and purpose, you can create dishes that are properly balanced and bursting with flavor!

Spices

Cumin

Flavor Profile: Warm, earthy, and slightly nutty with a hint of citrus. Its aroma is robust and savory, providing a comforting depth to dishes.

Think: Depth and a subtle smokiness.

How to Use: Toast seeds for extra flavor or add ground cumin to stews, curries, and marinades.

Cuisines: Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, North African.

Turmeric

Flavor Profile: Warm, earthy, and slightly bitter with a mild mustard-like sharpness. Its vibrant golden color is as striking as its taste.

Think: A golden color and mild bitterness.

How to Use: Add to curries, rice dishes, soups, or smoothies. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering.

Cuisines: Indian, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern.

Paprika

Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, or spicy depending on the variety, with a rich and slightly fruity undertone.

Think: Rich color and a sweet or smoky heat.

How to Use: Sprinkle on roasted vegetables, meats, or soups; use in rubs or stews.

Cuisines: Hungarian, Spanish, North African.

Cinnamon

Flavor Profile: Sweet and warm with woody and citrusy notes, offering a comforting and aromatic complexity.

Think: Warmth and a sweet-spicy kick.

How to Use: Add to baked goods, oatmeal, or savory dishes like tagines and curries.

Cuisines: Middle Eastern, Indian, American baking.

Chili Powder

Flavor Profile: Spicy with smoky and earthy undertones, often accompanied by a hint of sweetness.

Think: Heat and depth.

How to Use: Add to chili, soups, marinades, or rubs. Adjust to desired heat level.

Cuisines: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Indian.

Cardamom

Flavor Profile: Sweet, citrusy, and floral with a hint of spice, offering an exotic and aromatic warmth.

Think: Aromatic complexity and warmth.

How to Use: Use in curries, chai tea, baked goods, or rice dishes.

Cuisines: Indian, Middle Eastern, Nordic.

Black Pepper

Flavor Profile: Pungent, slightly spicy, with earthy undertones.

Think: Heat, a subtle warmth, and depth to a variety of dishes.

How to Use: Widely used in almost every cuisine as a seasoning, best freshly ground over dishes like soups, roasted vegetables, meats, and pastas.

Cuisines: Global – used universally to enhance flavor in savory dishes.

Herbs

Basil

Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly peppery, and aromatic with a faint licorice or clove-like note. It’s fresh and vibrant, perfect for brightening dishes.

Think: Vibrant and sweet.

How to Use: Add fresh at the end of cooking or as a garnish; pairs well with tomatoes and cheese.

Cuisines: Italian, Thai, Mediterranean.

Thyme

Flavor Profile: Earthy, minty, and slightly lemony, with a subtle woodsy aroma. It provides an understated complexity to dishes.

Think: Subtle earthiness and complexity.

How to Use: Add early to soups, stews, and roasts; remove stems before serving.

Cuisines: French, Mediterranean, American.

Rosemary

Flavor Profile: Piney, woody, and slightly minty with a robust aroma that’s both savory and refreshing.

Think: Bold, fragrant depth.

How to Use: Use fresh or dried in roasted meats, potatoes, or bread. Remove sprigs before eating.

Cuisines: Mediterranean, Italian, French.

Cilantro

Flavor Profile: Bright, citrusy, and slightly peppery with a sharp, fresh aroma. Its flavor can be polarizing but adds a lively kick. People either love it or hate it.

Think: A fresh and tangy note.

How to Use: Add fresh leaves as a garnish; stir in just before serving.

Cuisines: Mexican, Indian, Thai.

Oregano

Flavor Profile: Earthy, slightly bitter, and pungent with a faintly sweet, balsamic-like aroma.

Think: Add depth and savoriness.

How to Use: Use dried for stronger flavor or fresh in marinades, sauces, or soups.

Cuisines: Italian, Greek, Mexican.

Parsley

Flavor Profile: Fresh, slightly peppery, and grassy with a subtle hint of citrus. It’s clean and mild, perfect for balancing richer flavors.

Think: Clean, mild, fresh.

How to Use: Use fresh as a garnish or stir into dishes at the end.

Cuisines: Mediterranean, French, Middle Eastern.