Few things in life are better than those moments when you enjoy a few meals made of absolutely delicious dishes, which actually make you want to eat. But, after all, what makes food so pleasurable?
The answer is simple: the taste. However, although the answer to the question is simple, putting it into practice can be a little difficult for many people, especially for people who are still very attached to more traditional seasonings, such as salt and pepper.
Of course, they are good seasonings – especially if the chosen salt is pink Himalayan salt or sea salt, which are healthier than white salt, which goes through several refinement processes.
Salt and pepper add a lot of flavor to the food, but there are several other seasonings (as well as different types of different peppers) that bring out different, interesting and delicious flavors.
But what are these seasonings? Below, we've separated a list of 10 delicious spices that can't be missed in your kitchen. Believe me, once you get used to using them, your preparations will never be the same and you will no longer be able to use just salt and pepper in practically anything. Everything will ask for a little extra spice!
And the best thing is that the vast majority of these spices are easy to find and the price is really affordable. Another advantage is that using more seasonings, you can reduce the amount of salt, which will certainly make your diet healthier. So enjoy!
Saffron
Saffron not only brings flavor, but also brings a lot of aroma and a color that invades the entire dish. It's a beautiful and complete seasoning. It is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine recipes, but it is also perfect to be added to risottos, white meats and pasta. Some sweets can also use saffron in their preparations.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is the seed of the fruit of a tree in India. The flavor of this seasoning is sweet and has a very present aroma, so it is important to know how to dose the amount well – do not overdo it. It is often used in sauces and dairy-based recipes. It is very good in the preparation of homemade mustard, risottos, meat sauces, white sauce for pasta, Indian dishes and even in some drinks.
Oregano
Oregano is a very famous spice – perhaps the most famous after salt and pepper – so it is also used a lot. But, few people know its versatility. Oregano is always present in pizzas, sandwiches and several (I would say thousands) other preparations. In practically all savory recipes it is possible to add oregano, as in proteins, pasta, salads, sauces… The list is endless! The taste and aroma of this little leaf are indescribable.
Ginger
Ginger is a root that has a very strong, really strong taste and aroma. Therefore, it is very important to be careful about the amount used. When placed in the right measure, it gives a very special touch to the preparation. It is widely used in sweets, to bring a spicy touch, as in cakes, cupcakes, brownies and brigadiers. It is also used in salads, breads, soups, meats and in fruit salads. It also looks great in the famous green juices, as ginger is an antioxidant and speeds up metabolism.
Parsley
Parsley is also quite famous and indispensable in the kitchen. This seasoning is good in practically all savory dishes, but it is important to remember that, in most cases, it should be used fresh and only at the end of the preparation. Use parsley in meats, omelets, rice, herb sauces, tomato sauce, mustard, mayonnaise and many other preparations.
Basil
Basil's flavor is extremely pleasant and doesn't steal the show from any other spices or ingredients, it just complements the dish very subtly. It is perfect in recipes with tomatoes, such as the sauce itself, pesto, which is impossible to make without basil, and in some seafood. It is also delicious in salads and in the preparation of vegetables.
Rosemary
Some herbs are confused with each other, such as parsley and chives, for example. However, there are others that are so unique in their flavors that even the least used can identify them and this is the case of rosemary. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the amount of rosemary placed in the dish, so as not to completely steal the flavor of the other seasonings. But even in small numbers, know that he will be one of the protagonists. It is perfect on all meats and vegetables. It is even very common (and very tasty) to use rosemary in the preparation of roasted and gratin potatoes.
Garlic
Easy to find and at a very affordable price, garlic is indispensable in anyone's kitchen. It can be used in many different ways. The most famous is in the stew, mixed with onion, for the preparation of grains (such as rice and beans) and various meats. But, its versatility is much greater. You can chop the garlic into small squares for quick frying. When ready, it becomes a great crunchy to finish salads, rice, pasta, meats, among other dishes.
Coriander
Coriander is another spice that, like rosemary, will stand out a lot in your preparation. Its taste is delicious, but very strong. So, know how to dose the ideal amount. Its coloring is also beautiful, so it will add a splash of color to your recipe. Use cilantro in fish and all other seafood and salads, it's delicious and refreshing!
Blond
The laurel is that famous leaf that is always in your mother's bean pot, you know? Well, and although you may not believe it, this leaf really makes all the difference in flavor (look at the mom's little secret there!). But, don't use this wonderful seasoning just on beans, no! Make laurel a constant in your preparations, especially in soups, broths, vegetables, tomato sauces and so many other possibilities. The only difference between bay leaf and the other spices on this list is that it's great for seasoning, but it's not good when chewed, so just leave it in the pan, OK!?
- Text written by Giovanna Frugis from the Eu Sem Fronteiras Team.
