Spices for a Small Kitchen

Welcome to the flavorful world of spices, where each jar, each pinch, and each aroma unlocks the potential for a culinary adventure in your very own kitchen. If you consider yourself a foodie, you're probably not a stranger to the magic of spices, but in this blog post, we're going to dive deep into the enticing realm of spices and spice blending. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, you'll find plenty of inspiration and tips to elevate your dishes. Let's embark on this savory journey together! Don't be afraid to experiment, you may find your next favorite dish.

The Spice Rack Essentials

A well-rounded spice collection is the foundation of every foodie's kitchen. Let's start by exploring the must-have spices that will add depth, flavor, and excitement to your cooking.

1. Salt and Pepper: The dynamic duo of seasoning. While basic, these are irreplaceable and should be of high quality. Consider experimenting with different types of salt, like sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, and fresh-ground black pepper for optimal flavor.
2. Garlic Powder: A versatile and time-saving alternative to fresh garlic. Perfect for marinades, soups, and sauces. For my small kitchen, I use garlic granules, but if you are cooking for picky eaters, the powder is hidden in the food.
3. Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile of your dishes without the tears. Great for rubs and seasoning blends.
4. Paprika: A mild spice with a smoky or sweet undertone. Comes in various types, including Hungarian and smoked. It's excellent for adding color and flavor to stews, soups, and rubs. If your kitchen is very tiny, smoked paprika packs a punch, and can be used in so many dishes.
5. Cayenne Pepper: Add a kick to your dishes with a pinch of cayenne. It's perfect for spicy marinades, chili, or a little extra heat in your favorite sauces. If a recipe "needs" something, I will add a bit of this or the old standby, white wine.
6. Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that's a staple in many cuisines, from Mexican to Indian. Use it in tacos, chili, or curry dishes for an extra layer of flavor. I get the seeds, which last longer, and roast them in small batches prior to grinding. Very fresh, excellant flavor!
7. Coriander: Both the seeds and ground form add a citrusy and slightly sweet note to your dishes. Essential for curries, roasted vegetables, and homemade spice blends.
8. Cinnamon: Beyond sweet treats, cinnamon can be used in savory dishes like stews, tagines, or Moroccan-inspired recipes for a unique twist. I haven't tried it roasted, but I will be soon.
9. Thyme: A versatile herb with a delicate, earthy flavor. Perfect for roasts, stuffing, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
10. Bay Leaves: These fragrant leaves add depth to soups, stews, and braised dishes. Remember to remove them before serving! Adding a couple of bay leaves and Italian seasoning to canned spaghetti sauce and allowing to simmer ups the flavor factor!
11. Basil: Basil is a fragrant herb known for its bright green, slightly glossy leaves. It has a distinctive, sweet aroma and a warm, slightly peppery flavor. I use it in my homemade spaghetti sauce and almost everything I cook.
12. Oregano: Oregano is a staple herb in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. It's commonly used in tomato-based dishes, pizza, pasta sauces, and as a seasoning for roasted meats. It pairs well with basil, thyme, and rosemary.

The Spice Blending Art

Now that you have your essential spices lined up, it's time to dive into the art of spice blending. Creating your spice mixes is not only a cost-effective way to customize your flavors but also a great way to express your culinary creativity. Here are some popular spice blends to get you started:

1. Italian Seasoning: Combine dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a taste of Italy. Sprinkle this blend on pizzas, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
2. Curry Powder: Mix ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon for a homemade curry powder. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste, and use it to create rich, aromatic curries.
3. Cajun Spice: Combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano for a spicy and smoky blend. It's perfect for seasoning chicken, seafood, or even a Cajun-inspired pasta dish.
4. Taco Seasoning: Create your own taco seasoning by blending chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Say goodbye to store-bought packets!
5. Herbs de Provence: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, and sometimes lavender flowers for a taste of the French countryside. Use it to season roasted chicken, vegetables, or even bread.
6. Garam Masala: Combine ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin for this classic Indian spice blend. Add it to your curries, soups, or even sprinkle it over roasted butternut squash.

Check your favorite cookbooks or search online for the ratios to start from. I often start with a 1:1 ratio then add in measured amounts to find my perfect blend. I don't add salt to my blends as that is added at the table due to special diets.

Roasting spices before grinding can enhance their flavor by intensifying their aromas and bringing out complex, deeper notes. Here are some spices that benefit from roasting prior to grinding:

1. Cumin: Roasting cumin seeds can enhance their earthy and nutty flavors. It's a common practice in many cuisines to roast cumin before grinding.
2. Coriander: Roasting coriander seeds enhances their citrusy and floral notes, making them more aromatic and flavorful.
3. Cardamom: Roasting cardamom pods can intensify their sweet and floral aroma. It's often done when the cardamom is needed in a ground form.
4. Fennel: Roasting fennel seeds can deepen their sweet and anise-like flavors. It's particularly popular in Italian and Indian cooking.
5. Mustard Seeds: Roasting mustard seeds can mellow their bitterness and enhance their nutty, spicy flavor. This is common in South Asian cooking.
6. Black Peppercorns: Roasting black peppercorns can bring out their spicy, earthy notes and provide a more robust pepper flavor. I like these roasted and added to stirfries.
7. Cloves: Roasting whole cloves can enhance their sweet and slightly peppery flavor. This is often done before grinding or using them in spice blends.
8. Nutmeg and Mace: Roasting whole nutmeg and mace before grinding can intensify their warm, sweet, and nutty flavors. Add to cookies, other baked goods, coffee or other hot beverages.
9. Cinnamon: While cinnamon is often used in its ground form, you can roast cinnamon sticks before grinding for a more robust and intense flavor.
10. Chilies: Roasting dried red chilies before grinding can intensify their spiciness and smoky flavor. This is commonly done in various cuisines, especially in chili powders.

When roasting spices, it's essential to do so in a dry skillet or pan over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until they release their aroma and change color slightly. Be careful not to overroast, as this can lead to a bitter taste. After roasting, allow the spices to cool before grinding them to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Roasting spices just before use is often recommended for the freshest and most intense flavors in your dishes.

You can often buy spices in small amounts in the grocery store, even in a recipe size amount if you want to try before buying a large amount. I found my favorite curry powder this way. Now I will be attempting to duplicate the curry powder without the salt that is in the grocery store powder. If it didn't have the salt, I wouldn't mess with it. My second favorite curry powder is a blend of the spicy and the hot curry powder from Penzey's Spice Company.

Spice Pairing Tips

Experimenting with spice pairings is where the true foodie adventure begins. Use cookbooks, spice catalogs on-line or even the spices listed on a similar blend for inspiration. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Balance Your Flavors: When blending spices, aim for a balance of flavors. If you're using a strong, spicy spice like cayenne, balance it with milder spices like cumin or coriander.
2. Think About Cuisine: Different cuisines have signature spice combinations. For example, Mexican cuisine often uses cumin and chili, while Indian dishes feature garam masala and turmeric. Keep this in mind when crafting your spice blends.
3. Start Simple: If you're new to spice blending, start with simple combinations and gradually experiment with more complex blends as you gain confidence.
4. Taste as You Go: Taste your dishes as you add spices. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking and avoid over-seasoning. If you get a dish too hot for your taste buds, coconut milk or yogurt sometimes are appropriate for curries and stir-fries.
5. Label Your Blends: Once you've created a spice blend you love, store it in a labeled container so you can easily identify it for future use. DO NOT forget to write down the combined amounts. I write it in sharpie on the container so that the next time I blend it I do not have to recreate the recipe.

Sourcing Unique Spices

While you can find most common spices in your local grocery store, sourcing unique and exotic spices can be a delightful adventure. Here are some tips for finding those special ingredients:

1. Specialty Spice Shops: Look for local or online specialty spice shops that offer a wide range of spices, including hard-to-find varieties. These shops often provide smaller portions, perfect for the foodie kitchen.
2. Farmers' Markets: Local farmers' markets can be a treasure trove for fresh and unique spices. They may also introduce you to artisanal spice producers.
3. Ethnic Grocery Stores: Explore the spice aisles of ethnic grocery stores for spices that are commonly used in specific cuisines. You'll find authentic options and the chance to learn about new flavor profiles.
4. Online Retailers: Many online retailers specialize in providing rare and exotic spices. Be sure to read reviews and do your research to find reputable sources.
5. Grow Your Own: Consider growing your own herbs and spices in a small herb garden. Freshly harvested herbs can elevate your dishes to another level. You can find many references to growing herbs. You can even combine several in the same pot as long as they have the same growing requirements.

Conclusion

Spices are the heartbeat of any foodie kitchen, adding depth, aroma, and personality to your dishes. From essential pantry staples to crafting your own signature spice blends, spices offers endless possibilities. Change the spices and the very same dish has a completely different vibe. So, roll up your sleeves, stock up your spice rack, and embark on a culinary adventure that's uniquely yours. The more you experiment, the more you'll discover the delightful nuances and endless joys of cooking with spices. Happy seasoning, fellow foodies!