ESSENTIAL SPICES
View Recipe: SMOKY CHEESE AND BACON PASTA BAKE
Cumin
Strong and pungent, cumin is used widely in Mexican, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Add to mashed avocado with a splash of lime juice and some coriander leaf for a quick guacamole.
Sprinkle into mashed potato with a little oregano and chilli for Mexican mash.
Sprinkle over chickpeas, stir in some crumbled feta and a handful of rocket leaves for a tasty side salad to accompany Middle Eastern food.
Sprinkle over pitta bread triangles with a little oil and roast for Middle Eastern meze.
Chili Powder
The volatile oil capsaicin found in chillies provides the fiery heat essential in Asian, Mexican and West Indian cuisines. Use as much as you dare!
Mix with butter to smear on corn on the cob or grilled steak.
Add a pinch to mince to give an extra kick to shepherd's pie.
Mix with butter and spread over flour tortillas. Cut into strips and bake in the oven as an alternative crisp to serve with drinks.
Add to leftover bolognaise with kidney beans for a quick chilli con carne to serve on jacket potatoes.
Add to a can of chopped tomatoes with garlic for a spicy Arrabiata style sauce for pasta or chicken.
Minced Garlic
Garlic features throughout the cuisines of the world and can be used in infinite dishes, giving a distinctive aroma and flavour.
Mix with lemon juice and coarse sea salt and use to season roasted winter vegetables and roast potatoes.
Mix with mayonnaise as a quick dip for hot chips or crudites.
Mix with soft cheese, rosemary or parsley for a Kiev-style filler for chicken.
Mix with olive oil and throw onto pasta with pine nuts, parmesan shavings and fresh basil.
Smoked Paprika
This bittersweet paprika has a distinctive smoky flavour which is an essential ingredient in Spanish cuisine but also can be used in everyday cooking to provide a flavour boost.
Mix with crème fraîche and heat for a sauce for pork or chicken.
Mix with a little sour cream for a dip with tortilla chips.
Mix through pasta or rice with some olive oil for a smoky note.
Dust over beef strips before cooking for smoky fajitas.
Add a little to oil for roasted sweet potato wedges.