Transforming simple ingredients into restaurant-worthy meals often comes down to having the right seasonings on hand. We’re sharing our must-have herbs, spices, and seasoning blends to always keep stocked in your kitchen.
With these 12 essential seasonings, you can replicate complex flavors from global cuisines and make boring staples taste gourmet. Read on to discover how keeping these flavor powerhouses conveniently within reach will make you look like a seasoned pro in the kitchen.
Best Herbs and Spices For Maximizing Flavor
Dried herbs and ground spices form the foundation of layered, nuanced flavor. They infuse aroma and depth into dishes without adding extra fat or calories. Having the right selection allows you to spice up everyday cooking.
Dried Herbs
When stored properly away from heat, light and humidity, dried herbs retain bold flavor for months. These are must-have dried herbs for most kitchens:
- Oregano – Warm and zesty flavor perfect for Italian and Greek dishes
- Thyme – Lemony, earthy aroma great on roasted meats and in braises or stews
- Basil – Sweet herbal flavor perfect for tomato sauces, pestos, soups
- Rosemary – Piney, slightly woodsy taste that shines on roasted chicken and potatoes
- Sage – Savory with hints of mint; excellent for rich meats like pork or duck
- Marjoram – Floral citrus notes similar to oregano making it perfect for Mediterranean cuisine
Ground Spices
Ground spices add instant flavor impact and dynamism:
- Chili Powder – Combination of ground chile peppers lend instant heat and depth
- Cumin – Earthy and aromatic, key for Indian, Middle Eastern and Tex-Mex dishes
- Paprika – Range from mild and sweet to smoked and spicy
- Cayenne Pepper – Pure ground chili adds fiery heat to any dish
Whole Spices
Toasting and grinding whole spices just before using guarantees fresh, intense flavor:
- Black Peppercorns – Essential for adding freshly ground pepper’s bright, citrusy spiciness
- Cinnamon Sticks – Gentle sweetness and hints of clove perfect for desserts and baked goods
- Nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg has wonderful aroma for sweet and savory dishes
- Ginger – Adds spicy zing; excellent for stir fries, marinades, dressings
Storing Herbs and Spices for Maximum Freshness
To keep dried herbs and spices flavorful for as long as possible:
- Transfer spices and herbs to small airtight glass jars
- Store away from heat, humidity and light in a cool dark place
- Wrap cinnamon sticks and whole nutmegs in plastic wrap then place in an airtight container
- Replace ground spices and herbs about every 1-2 years for optimal freshness
Using Seasonings to Take Any Dish to the Next Level
Knowing how to use spices and herbs correctly makes all the difference. Here are pro tips for maximizing their impact:
Layering flavors
Start with spices or oil in the bottom of the pan to release aromatics then add additional spices and herbs as you build flavor. This creates intoxicating complexity. Try using whole spices first then finishing with fresh herbs.
Blooming spices
Quickly heating spices like cumin or mustard seeds in oil unlocks flavor and aroma compounds for added taste and smell sensations. The spices will darken and become more fragrant when ready after about 10-30 seconds.
Finishing with fresh herbs
Adding tender leafy herbs like parsley, cilantro or basil right at the end preserves their color and perky texture. The burst of freshness and color makes everything taste brighter.
Balancing flavors
Using too much of one flavor can make food taste unpleasantly bitter, overly salty or too spicy. Taste and adjust seasonings so no one flavor overpowers. A balanced medley of spices leads to harmony.
Essential Spice Combinations From Around the World
Having the right spice partners on hand makes replicating the signature flavor profiles of popular global cuisines fast and easy:
Italian dishes
Transform basic pasta or pizza with dried oregano, basil, parsley, marjoram and fennel seeds paired with garlic, onions and olive oil.
Mexican dishes
Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and cilantro to fill your tacos, enchiladas, rice and beans with authentic zing.
Indian curries
Warm yet complex curry powder plus garam masala blend containing cumin, turmeric, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper makes richly flavored stews and braises.
Moroccan tagines
The savory-sweet combination of cumin, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, paprika, cayenne and turmeric infuses stewed meats and vegetables with exotic intrigue.
American barbecue
The balance of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin and cayenne livens up classic barbecue sauces and dry rubs.
Taking Humble Ingredients to New Heights
Having a quality pantry collection of herbs and spices on hand lets you spin pantry basics into exciting new taste discoveries. Suddenly canned beans become perfect protein when simmered with cumin, oregano and garlic. Boring broccoli transforms into a crave-worthy side when tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and red pepper flakes. Plain grains turn sublime when cooked in flavor-infused broth.
Experimenting Confidently in the Kitchen
Don’t be afraid to play around with herbs and spices once you know the basics. Start with modest amounts then add more until flavor pops. Keep a little cumin, Italian herb blend and chili powder on the table to sprinkle on anything needing a kick. Be bold and try global spice blends on non-traditional ingredients. Herbs and spices make it deliciously easy to think outside the box.
Following Recipes From Amateur to Advanced
As your spice prowess grows, don’t be afraid of recipes with lengthy seasoning lists. You likely have most ingredients on hand already. Allow your intuition to guide you on seasoning ratios. Remember there are no real mistakes when it comes to experimenting with flavor. You can always add but not take away. Let your tastebuds lead the way from amateur attempts to advanced techniques as seasoning mastery builds meal after meal.
Keep your kitchen stocked with our essential seasonings checklist and unlock your inner flavor genius. With the right blend of herbs and spices, you can travel the globe from the comfort of your kitchen. The aromatic, transportive power of these seasonings guarantees that boring meals will become a thing of the past.
