🌿 The Spices Every Kitchen Needs – and How to Actually Use Them
There's one small thing that can completely change the food we cook at home:
Spices.
But I know a lot of people open their spice cabinet, see dozens of jars… and have no idea what to do with them.
So let's sort it out 👇
🧂 If you're just starting out, these are the spices I'd keep on hand:
- Good-quality salt – the foundation of almost every dish.
- Black pepper – vegetables, eggs, meat, fish, soups and just about everything else.
- Sweet paprika – vegetables, chicken, potatoes, legumes and stews.
- Cumin – hummus, legumes, roasted vegetables, meat and stews.
- Turmeric – vegetables, rice, soups, stews and legumes.
- Oregano – tomatoes, vegetables, fish, chicken and Mediterranean dishes.
- Dried basil – tomato sauces, vegetables and pasta.
- Thyme – roasted vegetables, mushrooms, chicken and fish.
- Rosemary – potatoes, root vegetables, chicken and meat.
- Garlic powder – almost any dish that needs a bit more depth.
If you have these at home, you've already got a great foundation. 🌿
🌶️ Want to take it a step further?
- Smoked paprika – adds a deep, smoky, fresh-off-the-grill flavor – no grill needed.
- Chili flakes – for anyone who likes it hot. Great with vegetables, fish, eggs and tomato sauces.
- Sumac – tangy and fresh. Perfect for salads, onions, fish, chicken and tahini.
- Ground coriander – lovely with vegetables, legumes and stews.
- Cardamom – especially good in stews, rice, drinks and even desserts.
- Cinnamon – not just for cakes! Try a pinch with root vegetables, stews or meat.
- Nutmeg – great with greens, sauces, soups and creamy dishes.
- Curry powder – a blend that can turn vegetables, chicken, fish or legumes into a completely different dish.
- Za'atar – sprinkle it on salads, vegetables, tahini, fish, cheese and more. ❤️
👩🍳 And here's the real secret:
You don't need ten spices in every dish.
Quite the opposite.
I recommend starting with 2–3 spices that go well together and letting them do the work.
- 🥕 Roasted vegetables: turmeric + cumin + paprika
- 🐟 Fish: paprika + garlic + thyme
- 🍅 Tomato sauce: oregano + basil + garlic
- 🥗 Salad: sumac + za'atar + black pepper
- 🫘 Legumes: cumin + paprika + coriander
- 🥔 Potatoes: rosemary + garlic + smoked paprika
And most important of all: taste as you go.
Spices don't come with strict rules. They're a way to discover the flavors you love.
💡 A quick tip:
Spices lose their aroma over time.
If you've got jars that have been sitting there for years and you can't even remember buying them, it's probably time to replace them.
You're better off with 10–15 fresh spices you actually use than 40 old jars nobody ever opens.
Above all:
Don't be afraid of spices.
They're not there to make cooking complicated.
They're there to make simple food taste even better. 🌿
Save this post for the next time you clear out your spice cabinet.
And if there's a spice in your kitchen you never know what to do with, send me a message 💬
I'll give you ideas for using it.