Seasoning is the soul of a dish. The right combination of spices and herbs can elevate the taste of any dish and add nutrition to it. Here are nine seasonings that you should have in your kitchen to make your meals more flavorful and nutritious:.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a warm, bitter taste and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. It can be used to flavor curries, soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.
2. Cumin
Cumin is a spice with a warm, earthy flavor. It is commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Cumin is a good source of iron, which is important for making hemoglobin in the blood.
It can be used to flavor rice, beans, chili, and grilled meats.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a pungent herb that is widely used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be used to flavor pasta, soup, salad, and roasted vegetables.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a root spice that has a warming effect on the body. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger can be used to flavor stir-fry, soup, tea, and marinades.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb with a woody fragrance. It is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and is known for its antioxidant properties. Rosemary can be used to flavor roasted chicken, lamb, potatoes, and bread.
6. Thyme
Thyme is an herb with a floral aroma. It is commonly used in French cuisine and is known for its antimicrobial properties. Thyme can be used to flavor soup, stew, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a sweet spice that is commonly used in baked goods and desserts. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can be used to flavor oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, and roasted sweet potatoes.
8. Paprika
Paprika is a red spice that is commonly used in Hungarian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisine. It is known for its antioxidant properties and can help improve digestion. Paprika can be used to flavor roasted chicken, fish stew, and roasted vegetables.
9. Black Pepper
Black pepper is a spice that is commonly used in almost every cuisine. It is known for its antibacterial properties and can help improve digestion. Black pepper can be used to flavor scrambled eggs, salad, grilled chicken, and roasted vegetables.