Essential spices that every food lover should have at home
The world of spices is undoubtedly very wide and even more so if you like western food, but among so much variety there are some that should not be missing at home. The ability of a good cook is evident when doing a lot with little and certain spices are his secret weapon.
Over the years, certain aromas and flavors become part of our lives, and it is precisely thanks to these seasonings used by wise hands when cooking. If you are a novice in the kitchen, don't worry, here you will discover what the essential spices are.
The spices that can not miss
The kitchen is a universe explored by many and conquered by few, so don't be discouraged if you take your first steps in it. Here is a list of the most used species for different dishes, desserts and drinks that cannot be missing at home.
Cinnamon
Our life does not make sense without it, it is one of the most famous spices thanks to its peculiar aroma and that slightly itchy touch that is very pleasant. It is considered a certain aphrodisiac and has a good load of essential oils.
It has medicinal benefits and is the favorite to apply it to drinks such as chicha, chocolate and even gives an exquisite touch to coffee.
It can be preserved in powder or in its natural unprocessed shell and care must be taken with the regularity of its consumption.
Pepper
This spice is not limited to a single presentation, since its variants achieve different notes in terms of flavors. Commonly 3 types of pepper are used; black, white and green, but there is also pink pepper, this is used more to decorate.
Pepper has an intense and spicy flavor that is perfect for seasoning everything from meat to sauces.
It is essential, it is applied mostly in salty dishes and it is useful for stews, roasts, stews, baked dishes and much more, it is recommended to have all 3 types.
Oregano
This is another of the aromatic spices that is most noticeable due to its strong smell, many recognize it by its presence in pizzas, but its application is much broader. Italian food fully exploits its potential, as it is a very practical spice.
Being a green leaf seasoning, it is not recommended to cook it, but to apply it at the end of the preparation of the dishes.
Oregano is perfect to include in tortillas, red meats, red sauces, pasta and any other dish that contrasts strong flavors.
Vanilla
It is the queen of desserts and should not be absent from your cupboard, its aroma and flavor are cloying, but they create an effect that produces joy. It is applied mostly for desserts, but it is also used to liven up flavors in savory dishes.
We commonly see it in its liquid presentation, but it can also be purchased in powder or in its natural pod form. It should be applied in moderation, since its flavor is very invasive and in excess it covers the scene.
Cumin
A spice from the Mediterranean and that is very easy to notice, its aroma and flavor is unmistakable with a mix between bitter and spicy. It is applied in low doses in the kitchen, because its presence in dishes is very intense.
It is often used to season meats, but it is also useful to season vegetables, legumes, cheeses and many other foods, its application is quite extensive.
Ginger
It is one of the favorites in Asian cuisine and you can find powder presentations to preserve it better. It has quite a strong and pungent flavor, which connects very well with the preparation of fish, red meat, pork and many others.
It is not strange to perceive its flavor in a soup or a salad, since its application has become quite widespread, but in terms of its use it is still the favorite for Christmas desserts such as cookies.
Garlic
A list of essential spices cannot exist without garlic being present, without this condiment many dishes would fail.
It has a unique flavor and aroma, with a few doses it manages to transform the essence of an entire dish, it is one of the most powerful spices on the list.
Mostly, it is applied in its natural state, but it can be had both in powder and in liquid, obtaining the same result and efficiency when using it.
Turmeric
It is one of the ingredients of the famous curry, but over time its individual application has gained fame. It has a mild flavor that ranges between sweet and spicy, but its greatest contribution is in its color, since it provides an intense yellow tone to foods.
It is perfect if you like to add color to rice naturally or if you want to make a stew more colorful.
Rosemary
An excellent spice, which is used regularly for the rich aroma that impregnates the food where it is applied. It is perfect for preparing roast meat and is also widely used to season stews, but in general it is applicable to endless dishes.
How to use and preserve spices?
Most of its flavors are highly intense, so be careful when applying them, spilling a large amount of them in a preparation can ruin your dish. Always work from less to more, add few portions until you get to the point.
Always keep your spices in sight so that you remember to use them, many times when they are hidden a lot we tend to forget them.
Make sure to close their jars well after using them or they can lose their aroma and this reduces their quality when used.
Have fun experimenting with the kitchen, enter a rich world of possibilities and don't forget to be prepared for any occasion, so make sure you have all the necessary spices.