Introduction
By Dr Adlina Ahmad, M.D.
Food always tastes better when seasoned with herbs and spices. Each spice brings out
a different aroma and taste that excites the taste buds and makes food tastier.
Spices are almost always used in their dried form. They are available whole ( like
dried peppercorns, star anise, barks of cinnamon, roots, seeds). They are varied in
flavour and taste.
Fresh herbs and vegetables like oregano, rosemary, thyme , bell peppers, ginger and
turmeric are also considered spices as they too bring flavour to our dishes.
Not only do they add the zing to flavour, they also have tons of health benefits.
Many of us have a shelf full of spices, but don’t have a clue to how to use them. We
often than not buy spices, and watch them turn brown in our fridges, or mouldy on the
shelves.
Try these tips on how to use the correct spices for any meal .
TIPS ON HOW TO USE SPICES
1. Always plan your week ahead and use the same herbs and spices for a few
dishes to avoid wastage
2. Keep your dried spices in airtight containers away from sunlight, air and
moisture to keep them fresh and last longer
3. Some spices like the peppercorns and paprika are strong and spicy, so always
add in a bit and add on as you go along to suit your taste
4. Make sure to crush your spices or saute them to ‘wake up’ the taste. Dried
herbs are best when used in oil or butter
5. Dried herbs tend to lose their spunk , especially basil, oregano and sage. So it
would be better to use more when using a dried herb
6. Its so important to always keep tasting during cooking to make sure
everything tastes perfect!
Here is a quick, easy guide to use of commonly used spices for easy
cooking reference.
 | Flavour : Earthy and sweet Best cooked with Fruit & Vegetables : Apples, beets, cabbage, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips Proteins : Beef, lamb Best dishes : Desserts, breads Best paired with : Cardamon, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger |
 | Flavour : Sweet Best cooked with Fruits & vegetables : Bell peppers, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini Proteins : Chicken, fish, cheeses Best dishes : Salad dressings, sauces, dry rubs, marinade Best paired with : Garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, oregano |
 | Flavour : Bitter Best cooked with Fruits & Vegetables : Potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms Proteins : Beans, lentils, shellfish Best dishes : Risotto, soups Best paired with : Oregano, sage, thyme |
 | Flavour : Sweet Best cooked with Fruits & Vegetables : Carrots, citrus, corn, peas, sweet potatoes, squash Proteins : Chicken, lentils, duck Best dishes : Curries, rice Best paired with : Cinnamon, cumin, ginger, turmeric |
 | Flavour : Earthy, sweet Best cooked with Fruit & Vegetables : Apples, carrots, pears, sweet potato, squash Proteins : Chicken, lamb Best dishes : Fruit sauces, desserts, breads Best paired with : Cloves, nutmeg |
 | Flavour : Earthy, sweet Best cooked with Fruit & vegetables : Apples, beets,squash, tomato, sweet potatoes Protein : Lamb Best dishes : Sauces, desserts, breads used in curries, soups, marinades, desserts, beans Best paired with : Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, basil |
 | Flavour : Earthy, peppery Best cooked with Fruit & vegetables : Bell peppers, potatoes, onions, tomato Proteins : Chicken, beef, fish, tofu Best dishes : Curries, soups, sauces, stuffing, dry rub,marinades Best paired with : Chilli powder, cumin, cinnamon |
 | Flavour : Smokey, earthy Best cooked with Fruit & vegetable : Eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, corn, green beans Proteins : Beans, chicken, beef, fish, lentils, tofu Best dishes : Curries, rice, soups, sauce, dry rubs, marinades Best paired with : Garlic powder, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, oregano |
 | Flavour : Savoury Best cooked with Fruits & vegetables : Cabbage, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots,mushrooms Proteins : Beans, chicken, beef, fish, tofu Best dishes : Curries, soups, sauces, stir-fries, dressings,dry rubs, marinades Best paired with : Oregano, cumin, coriander, turmeric |
 | Flavour : Sweet , warm Best cooked with Fruits & vegetables : Carrots, citrus, sweet potatoes, beets, squash Proteins : Chicken, beef, fish, tofu Best dishes : Rice, curries, stir-fries, marinades Best paired with : Garlic powder |
 | Flavour : Sweet Best cooked with Fruits & Vegetables : Broccoli, carrot, cabbage, squash, cauliflower, sweet potatoes Proteins : Lamb Best dishes : Rice, stuffing, sauces Best paired with : All spices, cloves |
 | Flavour : Earthy Best cooked with Fruits & vegetables : Artichokes, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, potatoes, mushrooms Proteins : Beans, chicken, fish, lamb Best dishes : Soups, salad dressings, tomato sauces, dry rubs, marinades Best paired with : Chilli powder, bay leaves, thyme |
 | Flavour : Sweet, warm Best cooked with Fruits & vegetables : Bell peppers, squash, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes Proteins : Chicken, shellfish, lamb, tofu Best dishes : Rice, soups, salad dressings, marinades Best paired with : Garlic powder, chilli powder, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin |
 | Flavour : Earthy Best cooked with Fruits & vegetables : Mushrooms, onions, peas, potatoes Proteins : Beans,chicken, lamb, fish Best dishes : Marinade Best paired with : Garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil |
 | Flavour : Earthy Best cooked with Fruits & vegetables : Carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, green beans, peas Proteins : Beef, chicken, lamb, lentils Best dishes : Soups, salad dressings, dry rubs, marinades Best paired with : Oregano, rosemary |
 | Flavour : Peppery, bitter Best cooked with Fruit & vegetables : Cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, sweet potatoes Proteins : Beans, lentils, chicken, fish, tofu Best dishes : Curries, rice Best paired with : Cardamom, garlic powder |
This is a rough guide for recipes that have been used for generations. Of course, you
can go ahead, be adventurous and create new exciting dishes and conjure new fusions
and recipes. We would love to know about them.
Happy cooking!
References
- How to use Spices : Recipes and Cooking : Food Network
- The Ultimate Infographic Guide to Spices: Cook Smarts
- A Beginner’s Guide to Herbs and Spices : Health
- How to Cook with Spices : Unlock Food
