What do you use to boost flavor in your foods? Are they high in salt, sugar or fat? There’s a wonderful world of herbs and spices you must visit; a place to expand your palette (instead of your waistline) without sacrificing flavor.
Herbs and spices add incredible flavor to foods without adding any calories. If you’ve never used herbs and spices, it might be a little daunting at first. Don’t be intimidated. With these helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to cooking Michelin Star dishes in no time. Ditch the salt and pick up the herbs and spices!
How To Use Spices and Herbs
Timing:
- Ground spices and herbs may be added closer to the end cooking time for a more distinct flavor, around 15 minutes before the end cooking time, or at the beginning for more blended flavors.
- Whole spices and Bay Leaves release flavor more slowly. Add to dish at least 1 hour from the end cooking time.
- For uncooked foods such as salad dressings or fruit juices, add herbs and spices several hours before to let the flavors blend together.
- For salad dressings, add the spices and herbs to the liquid and let sit overnight for the best flavor.
Amount:
- The amount to use is all based on personal preference.
- If you are unsure of how much to start with, start with a ¼ teaspoon of ground herbs and spices and adjust to taste. If you are using fresh herbs, use twice the amount (or 1/2 tsp).
- Decrease your starting amount to 1/8 teaspoon for cayenne, red pepper flakes and garlic powder. Adjust to your taste.
Recommended herbs and spices for meat:
Beef: Bay leaf, marjoram, onion, pepper, sage, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic, cumin, ginger, parsley, rosemary, savory, shallot, tarragon, chives
Chicken: Ginger, marjoram, oregano, paprika, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, saffron, parsley, onion, garlic, dill, cumin, chives, basil
Fish: Dill, dry mustard, marjoram, paprika, pepper, basil, chives, rosemary, sage, tarragon, cayenne, garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme
Turkey: Basil, garlic, marjoram, onion, oregano, parsley, rosemary, saffron, sage, tarragon, thyme
Recommended herbs and spices for vegetables:
Asparagus: Chives, lemon balm, ginger, parsley, tarragon, thyme, sage, savory, rosemary
Broccoli: Garlic, lemon balm, oregano, thyme, tarragon
Carrots: Cinnamon, cloves, dill, ginger, marjoram, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, mint, tarragon, thyme
Cauliflower: Chili powder, caraway, chives, cumin, curry, dill, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon
Eggplant: Basil, cinnamon, dill, garlic, marjoram, mint, onion, oregano, sage, savory, rosemary, thyme
Green Beans: Dill, curry, marjoram, oregano, tarragon, thyme, basil, sage, rosemary
Mushrooms: Pepper, coriander, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, thyme
Squash: Cloves, cinnamon, curry, marjoram, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, basil, caraway, cardamom, ginger, savory
Zucchini: Basil, dill, tarragon, thyme
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