Dozens of spices for your kitchen exist. Even more when you consider spice mixes. For aspiring cooks, however, there are a few must-have spices that are more common. This list is about highlighting those so you know where to start in filling your spice rack.
A full spice rack is a great kick-off to preparing meats like chicken or tasty desserts such as cinnamon-heavy apple pies. Here are our recommended top spices to include in your spice collection at home.
Sage
Sage is high in antioxidants, can lower blood sugar, and is a herb rather than a true-blue spice. Adding sage to an already savory dish can help give it a pine-like flavor. Sage is sometimes referred to as a combination of the aromas and tastes of eucalyptus and citrus.
Basil
Basil is a spice that’s packed with all sorts of vitamins and minerals. It’s used a lot for its sweet flavour and its ability to preserve and enhance certain profiles already present. Basil’s a very common herb to pair with beef as it has a peppery and slightly minty taste. This creates a combination of flavors that work surprisingly well together.
Onion
Onion powder is a great spice to have in your spice rack. A basic kitchen flavoring, add a little where you see fit in your meals. It’s an interesting way to heighten tastes without overpowering what’s already naturally there. For meat dishes like chicken, meatloaf, and shepherd’s pie, a little onion spice works.
Allspice
Allspice is a common addition to spice mixes. If you wish to create your own or enjoy food experimentation, allspice is handy to have. In terms of what it is, allspice is a combination of cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
Oregano
Oregano is a very healthy and potent herb that is high in antioxidants and is an excellent anti-inflammatory. As a spice, it is common to pizzas, pasta sauces, and similar tomato-favourite recipes. It can also be combined with olive oil to create customized oregano oil, Italian-style vinaigrettes, and marinades for meats like beef and chicken. Include oregano in your kitchen spice storage.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a delicious and healthy spice that can help reduce heart disease risk factors, regulate blood sugar, and tastes splendid. Cinnamon mixed with a little sugar can make any dessert all the more desirable.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is a combination of cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and hot cayenne pepper. In its traditional red, chili powder is used in a lot of Latin American dishes but is also commonly applied to grilled meats, stews, soups, beans, and vegetables. Chili powder is one of the best spice rack options.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a common additive to Asian and European dishes. It’s a spice also featured routinely in dry rubs and spice blends particularly with meats. A garlic powder spice will give you the flavor of garlic without having to go through the labor of preparing it.
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