Ever find an herb or spice in your cabinet and wonder what to do with it? This handy guide gives you a quick description of each one along with ideas for using it in your favorite recipes.
🌿 Herbs
| 🌿 Basil | 🍃 Bay Leaves | 🌿 Dill |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet, aromatic, and slightly peppery. | Subtle, herbal, and slightly floral. | Fresh, tangy, and aromatic. |
| Great in: Tomato sauces, pasta, pesto, chicken, lamb, and vegetables. | Great in: Soups, stews, sauces, beans, pot roasts, and seafood. | Great in: Pickles, potato salad, fish, eggs, cucumbers, and dips. |
| 🌿 Marjoram | 🍕 Oregano | 🌿 Parsley |
|---|---|---|
| Mild, sweet, and slightly floral. | Bold, earthy, and aromatic. | Fresh, clean, and mildly peppery. |
| Great in: Soups, stews, vegetables, fish, poultry, sausage, and lamb. | Great in: Pizza, tomato sauces, chili, pasta, grilled meats, and vegetables. | Great in: Soups, potatoes, pasta, chicken, fish, sauces, and salads. |
| 🌲 Rosemary | 🌿 Sage | 🌿 Tarragon |
|---|---|---|
| Strong, aromatic, and pine-like. | Warm, earthy, and slightly peppery. | Aromatic with a slight hint of anise. |
| Great in: Lamb, beef, chicken, pork, potatoes, roasted vegetables, and marinades. | Great in: Stuffing, sausage, pork, turkey, squash, and potatoes. | Great in: Chicken, fish, eggs, salads, sauces, and vegetables. |
| 🌿 Thyme | 🌿 Cilantro | 🌿 Chives |
|---|---|---|
| Warm, earthy, and slightly floral. | Bright, fresh, and distinctive. | Mild, fresh, and lightly onion-like. |
| Great in: Poultry, soups, stews, vegetables, fish, beans, and roasted meats. | Great in: Salsa, tacos, rice, soups, curries, and salads. | Great in: Potatoes, eggs, soups, salads, dips, and baked potatoes. |
🌶️ Spices
| 🌶️ Allspice | 🌰 Cinnamon | 🌱 Cumin |
|---|---|---|
| Warm, with hints of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. | Warm, sweet, and comforting. | Earthy, warm, and slightly smoky. |
| Great in: Baking, meats, pickles, and preserves. | Great in: Apples, oatmeal, baking, and desserts. | Great in: Chili, tacos, beans, curries, and rice. |
| 🌱 Caraway | 🌿 Coriander | 🍛 Curry Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Distinctive, with hints of anise and dill. | Warm, slightly citrusy, and aromatic. | Warm and complex, with flavors varying by blend. |
| Great in: Rye bread, sauerkraut, cabbage, potatoes, and baked goods. | Great in: Curries, soups, pickling, sausages, and roasted vegetables. | Great in: Chicken, lamb, rice, vegetables, soups, and sauces. |
| 🌶️ Cayenne Pepper | 🌶️ Chili Powder | 🌰 Mace |
|---|---|---|
| Hot and spicy—a little goes a long way! | Warm, earthy, and mildly spicy. | Warm and aromatic, similar to nutmeg but more delicate. |
| Great in: Chili, soups, sauces, eggs, seafood, and Cajun dishes. | Great in: Chili, tacos, enchiladas, beans, soups, and meat rubs. | Great in: Pickling, fish, sauces, baked goods, custards, and desserts. |
| 🌰 Nutmeg | 🌶️ Paprika | 🌱 Poppy Seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Warm, sweet, and slightly nutty. | Mild and sweet; some varieties are smoky or hot. | Mild, nutty, and pleasantly crunchy. |
| Great in: Pies, custards, baked goods, cream sauces, spinach, and sweet potatoes. | Great in: Chicken, goulash, potatoes, deviled eggs, soups, and stews. | Great in: Breads, rolls, muffins, cookies, pastries, and noodles. |
| 🌶️ Black Pepper | 🟡 Turmeric | 🌰 Ginger |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp, warm, and slightly spicy. | Earthy, warm, and slightly bitter. | Warm, zesty, and slightly sweet. |
| Great in: Meats, vegetables, eggs, soups, sauces, and potatoes. | Great in: Rice, curries, soups, chicken, eggs, sauces, and dressings. | Great in: Asian dishes, baked goods, cookies, marinades, sauces, and teas. |
| 🌿 Mustard Seed | 🌿 Celery Seed | 🌶️ Crushed Red Pepper |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp, tangy, and slightly nutty. | Earthy, grassy, and slightly bitter. | Spicy and hot with a bright pepper flavor. |
| Great in: Pickles, dressings, sauces, meats, and vegetables. | Great in: Potato salad, coleslaw, pickles, soups, and dressings. | Great in: Pizza, pasta, sauces, soups, and Italian dishes. |
🧄 Everyday Flavor Boosters
| 🧄 Garlic Powder | 🧅 Onion Powder | 🧂 Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Rich, savory garlic flavor. | Mild and savory with an onion flavor. | Helps bring out and balance natural flavors. |
| Great in: Meats, vegetables, soups, sauces, potatoes, and seasoning blends. | Great in: Soups, burgers, meatloaf, vegetables, dips, and dry rubs. | Great in: Almost everything—use to taste! |
GRANNY’S KITCHEN TIP!
Start Small!
You can always add more seasoning, but it’s much harder to take it out. Start with a small amount, taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to experiment.