Regardless of how much time you have to dedicate to cooking a meal, there are certain seasonings we should all be able to find in our kitchens to make the most out of the meal's flavor.
Whether you have 10 minutes or a whole day to dedicate to cooking a meal, there are certain seasonings that should be in your spice rack to prevent that meal from being bland. Whether it in the oven, a saucepan, or a slow-cooker, seasonings make the most out of your meal's components.
1&2) Salt & pepper. The ubiquitous duo is ever present in restaurants and on dining room tables. Iodized salt is important for health because it helps maintain thyroid function. Sea salt is also healthy because it contains other minerals in addition to the iodine. Black pepper is found as either ground pepper or pepper corns, which require a grinder for use as a seasoning.
3) Onion powder or onion salt. Which form you buy this seasoning in depends on whether you are looking for just the onion flavor or some salty taste, too. My kitchen prefers the salted form, to avoid having to also add salt to a dish. Any spicy food or dish that benefits from onions can use this seasoning, including meat and poultry, pasta sauces, potatoes, and salads.
4) Garlic powder or garlic salt. The same reasoning as onion salt or powder follows for garlic. Use it to add some flavor to meat and poultry, pasta sauces, and potatoes.
5) Cinnamon. This is the perfect sweet spice. Mix it with sugar for an even sweeter topping on french toast, or use it alone on ice cream, apples, pies, toast, pancakes, tea, cappuccino, and a number of other breakfast and dessert items.
Minor seasonings
These are lesser used, and more trial and error, than the major seasonings, but still a great addition to any spice rack looking to improve the flavor of meals.
6) Ginger. Powdered ginger is great to have on hand for chicken dishes. It is also great in tea. Purported to help ease stomach problems and indigestion, a little provides a lot of flavor. Fresh ginger root can also be found in the produce section of the supermarket and small pieces grated into a cooking dish.
7) Sage. One of the essential herbs for a spice rack, sage is primarily used for seasoning beef and pasta sauces. It is also good with pork and poultry if used with garlic and onion salt.
8) Thyme. Another essential herb, this seasoning is one to add to pork and beef, as well as pasta sauces.
9) Curry powder. This mixture of spices is used most often in Indian cooking. Very little goes a long way and the powder is best when allowed to heat in the pan and open up before being added to a cooking dish. Great with chicken, shellfish, vegetables, and soups this is a must-have for spice lovers.
10) This spot is open for debate. Many who cook Italian food and pasta would say oregano, but others would say red pepper or chili powder, depending on their preference. If your kitchen leans more towards pasta sauces, go with oregano. If your kitchen leans towards spicy dishes, go for red pepper. If your kitchen likes meaty soups, go with chili powder or oregano. There are also chives, basil, and a very large assortment of seasoning mixes that all depend on what your favorite dishes may be.
When it comes to sage, you should use the rubbed kind not ground tastes so much better than ground does it is unbelievable. My wife always bought ground when we got married until I informed her of the rubbed, and now she swears by it. It is wonderful in dressing. Also just a touch of curry powder on deviled eggs does wonders for the taste.
Damon/johnny yuma
Fresh items ARE usually best, but in some places access is limited to fresh items. For the deep freeze of winter or areas where farming is limited the spice rack powders or salts can be a boon to cooking :)
I actually prefer the ground sage to rubbed because of the ease of measurement. I always use too much when I get the rubbed sage and the flavor becomes overpowering.
I use cinnamon in my oatmeal every morning. My wife also cooks dinner often using onion powder and garlic. thanks for sharing these wonderful tips with us.
