Spice Staples: Every Home's Must-Have Blends

Spices are an essential part of cooking, adding flavour, aroma and colour to our dishes. They can transform a meal by adding a range of flavours, from a hint of sweetness to a kick of heat. There are many spice blends that can be purchased or made at home, but which ones should be in every kitchen?

Za'atar: a blend of dried thyme, oregano, sumac, sesame seeds, caraway, marjoram and dill

Za'atar is a blend of dried thyme, oregano, sumac, sesame seeds, caraway, marjoram, and dill. It is a popular seasoning in the Middle East, with a signature blend of earthy, tangy, and nutty flavours. This spice blend is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Sprinkle za'atar on vegetables, such as roasted carrots, or use it to season meats like lamb. It is also a delicious addition to breakfast dishes, such as baked eggs. For a traditional Middle Eastern experience, sprinkle za'atar on unleavened bread, either dry or soaked in olive oil or yoghurt. You can also include za'atar in sauces and seasonings to top hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki. The blend is rich and flavourful enough to be enjoyed with fresh bread and olive oil.

Za'atar is a great way to add flavour to grilled vegetables, white or red meat, and fish. It can be used as a seasoning for chicken or as a rub for goat or lamb meat. The blend is commonly associated with Levantine cuisine and has a well-loved version from Lebanon, which includes sesame seeds, thyme, and dried sumac berries.

With its combination of spices, za'atar adds depth and complexity to your meals. It is a must-have spice blend for any home cook, bringing excitement and variety to your culinary creations.

Ras el hanout: a blend of black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cumin and coriander

Spices are an essential part of cooking, adding flavour, aroma and colour to our dishes. They can transform a meal by adding a range of flavours, from a hint of sweetness to a kick of heat. Spices also have medicinal properties and can act as preservatives.

Ras el hanout is a spice blend that originated in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. The name translates to "head of the shop", indicating that the blend varies from market to market and region to region. While there is no set recipe, ras el hanout typically contains black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cumin and coriander. It may also include spices such as allspice, anise, cayenne, turmeric, sumac, cardamom, paprika, mace, sweet and spicy cumin, and white pepper.

Ras el hanout has a well-rounded flavour profile with warm and slightly sweet notes from the nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. It is a beloved component of Berberian cuisines and is used to season chicken, lamb, or Iberian pork, and tagine dishes. However, it is also a great addition to soups, couscous, and vegetable stir-fries. If you have a tagine pot, you can use ras el hanout to make a vegetarian tagine with authentic flavours.

When it comes to cooking with ras el hanout, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, whole spices tend to stay fresher longer than pre-ground spices, so it is recommended to buy whole spices and grind them yourself as needed. Secondly, spices can be toasted or bloomed to enhance their flavour and aroma. Toasting involves heating the spices in a dry pan over medium-low heat, while blooming involves cooking them in hot oil. By liberating the aroma molecules, these techniques allow the spices to better infuse their flavours into the dish.

In conclusion, ras el hanout is a versatile and delicious spice blend that can elevate a variety of dishes. With its warm and sweet notes, it is perfect for adding depth of flavour to meat-based dishes, soups, and vegetable dishes. By experimenting with different preparation methods and combinations, you can discover the perfect flavour for your taste.

Garam masala: a blend of cinnamon, cumin, cloves and nutmeg

Garam masala is a must-have spice blend in every house. This warm and aromatic blend originates from northern India, where the word "masala" means "blend" and "garam" means "hot". However, despite its name, the spice itself is not necessarily spicy-hot.

Garam masala is a blend of cinnamon, cumin, cloves, and nutmeg. While the exact combination of spices can vary, this blend is widely used throughout Indian cuisine and adds a depth of flavour to dishes. It is often added to stews, curries, or used in marinades. For example, it pairs great with chicken, soups, and curries, and it is usually the key ingredient in tikka masala dishes. You can also use garam masala in vegetable stir-fries, such as cauliflower, lentils, and potatoes. In fact, this spice mixture is so popular in India that you can even find cookies and ice creams topped with it.

When making garam masala, each spice is typically toasted individually before being ground. This releases all the aromas before blending them into the mix. Because the mixture is toasted, garam masala is usually added after the dish has been cooked to add a smoky finishing touch.

If you want to make your own garam masala at home, you can follow this process: start by toasting black peppercorns, whole cloves, a cinnamon stick, caraway seeds, grated nutmeg, mace, and green cardamom pods. Then, grind them into a powder using a spice grinder. This homemade blend will add extra depth to your dishes.

Garam masala is an essential spice blend for creating the signature flavours of some of the most beloved recipes in Indian cuisine. It is a versatile blend that can be used in various dishes, from curries to cookies, and adds a warm and aromatic touch to your meals.

Jamaican jerk seasoning: a blend of onion, garlic, allspice, green onion, cayenne, nutmeg, cinnamon and more

Jamaican jerk seasoning is a blend of spices that will transport you to the Caribbean with its gorgeous mix of herbs and spices. It is a seasoning rather than a spice blend and contains fresh ingredients. It is a versatile blend that complements anything from fish and chicken to beef and vegetables.

The blend typically includes onion, garlic, allspice, green onion, cayenne, nutmeg, cinnamon and sometimes more. It is completely customisable and you can play around with the ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you can add cumin, smoked paprika, dried parsley, thyme, sugar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, ginger, white pepper, coconut sugar, bouillon powder, chili powder, and dried green onion flakes.

Jamaican jerk seasoning is amazing on chicken and pork but also works with potatoes and veggies. It is a dry rub that adds heat, dimension, and complexity to many dishes. It is a great seasoning to have in your cupboard and can be used in a variety of ways.

Five-spice powder: a Chinese blend of cinnamon, fennel seed, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns and star anise

Five-spice powder, also known as wu xiang fen, is a Chinese spice blend that should be in every house. It is made up of cinnamon, fennel seed, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, and star anise. These five spices represent the five flavours in the blend: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami. This distinctive blend is a key ingredient in many classic Chinese recipes, such as Peking Duck and Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup.

The blend is extremely versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. For instance, it is a great addition to Purple Sweet Potato Pie with Coconut and Five-Spice, Five-Spice Short Ribs with Ginger and Cilantro, and Spiced Brown-Butter Apples. You can buy it pre-mixed or make your own blend at home. For example, you can bundle cloves, fennel, peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon as a bouquet garni to cook with apples for a homemade applesauce.

Five-spice powder is an excellent way to add a punch of flavour to your dishes. It is a true staple in any kitchen and can elevate your cooking to the next level. So, if you're looking to add some Chinese flair to your meals, five-spice powder is a great place to start.

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