Top 10 Herbs and Spices Every Kitchen Should Have ...

Neecey

Herbs and spices add that extra bit of flair to any meal. They can complement certain flavors by accentuating their properties or adding an exciting twist. However there are some spices and herbs which are a must have in every kitchen, H&S that are reliable additions to any meal. There’s a massive range of herbs and spices that it can be incredibly confusing to know what you should have in your store cupboard. Take a look at these Top 10 Herbs and Spices Every Kitchen Should Have to see if you’re missing some members in your spice racks!

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1. Rosemary

This has to be one of my personal favorites out of this list of herbs and spices. It’s a gorgeous little herb that tastes amazing scattered on top of various dishes. Roasted or boiled potatoes are one of them, as well as a sumptuous piece of lamb. It generally works splendidly with any roasted meat such as pork, chicken or rabbit. It is also recommended for any tomato and garlic dish.

2. Oregano

Your herbs and spices rack isn’t complete without some oregano. This herb is a handy partner with any Italian dish, especially when using a tomato-based sauce. Mix some in with your meat or vegetarian spaghetti and meatballs or over a home-made pizza – it adds a peppery zing which can be subtle or strong, depending on how much you use.

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3. Thyme

Thyme has a lovely and distinctive smell (plus has numerous high-larious puns at its disposal). It is a versatile herb but goes especially well with chicken and vegetables, adding a woody and warm flavor. It’s also great combined with other herbs, and even fruits such as lemon – if you’re a roast-lover then roast chicken, thyme and lemon is a brilliant hearty meal. Sprinkle some amongst your roast vegetables.

4. Basil

Fresh basil and dry basil produce almost completely different flavors. Fresh basil would always be the better choice, but dried basil leaves go great with tomato-based curries. It’s one of the herbs and spices popular in Mediterranean cooking. It’s also a fantastic herb if you’re looking for a healthy diet because it’s a great addition to salads.

5. Turmeric

This pungent spice may be difficult to use at first but it’s a must-have for giving curries a full-bodied flavor. It’s peppery, full of antioxidants and very yellow – so be careful to not get it on your clothes! It’s a popular Indian spice, but can also be used on top of stir-fried zucchini or broccoli.

6. Parsley

This is an extremely versatile herb that can be used to liven up creamy meals. It has a fresh taste and a light scent. Use it in soups, hummus or with meat. Remember though that there are two types of parsley available: the curly kind which is usually used as a garnish or the flat-leaf kind which is better in cooking.

7. Coriander

Coriander is one of the most fragrant herbs on the planet. It is delicious and versatile, but works especially well in Asian cooking. Think Thai green curries or Chinese stir-fries. It even gives standard chicken sandwiches an interesting twist! It is also used in Mexican and Indian food – making it a must-have for any kitchen. For more Western meals, however, it is a beautiful addition to root vegetable soups, especially carrot or pumpkin.

8. Nutmeg

This spice’s versatility makes it an essential member of your herbs and spices rack as it can be used in both savory and sweet meals. Sprinkle some nutmeg into your cake mixtures to add a warm and fruity taste, or use it in the biscuit-base of a cheesecake. It also adds a bit of extra flavor to vanilla ice-cream when lightly sprinkled on top. Its savory benefits lie in stews, soup, curries, and even mashed potato!

9. Mint

Mint is a definite must-have standard herb. It can be used for so many things; the most popular use is with lamb in the form of that famous mint sauce. Lamb and mint were meant to be, but don’t forget it’s also great as tea! (It rhymes, therefore it’s true). But in all seriousness, mint leaves make a refreshing and revitalizing herbal tea and is also necessary for a glorious summer’s Pimm’s and lemonade with cut up fruit.

10. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is our final must-have herbs and spices. It has great versatility with its sweet taste that can also be used in savory dishes. If you want to know why cinnamon is a must-have, just think of apple-pies. Apples + cinnamon = culinary success. It is also wonderful sprinkled on top of the aromatic chai latte. It also gives roast pork or chicken an interestingly sweet kick!

There are loads of fantastic herbs and spices to liven up your kitchen, but these are some of the must-haves because of their versatility and importance in cooking. They add that extra bit into a meal that salt and pepper can’t handle, which transforms it into something quite good to something fantastic. Enrich your kitchen and cooking with some of these Top 10 Herbs and Spices Every Kitchen Should Have. Which herbs and spices can’t you do without?

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