A List of 11 Must-Have Spices
A couple weeks back I made an appearance on The Modern Eater, a radio show on Denver’s 630 KHOW. (You can find the recording here in case you missed it.) During the show, hosts Greg Hollenback and Chef Jesper Jonsson asked me to give up my list of must-have spices for any home cook.
So, here it is, spice fans! Time to inventory your spice cabinet. Do you have this list of 11 spices on hand?
Calgary Steak Spice Blend
Calgary Steak
The perfect steak or burger spice. The Calgary Steak spice blend is also ideal for any beef cut including roasts cooked low and slow.
Italian Herb Blend
This blend typically includes 20% of each Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Marjoram and Rosemary. The blend at Gran Cucina is different: We eliminate the Rosemary as it is simply too strong. Instead, we add Tomato Granules, Fennel, Chilies, Garlic and a little bit of Salt.
Bangkok Thai Spice Blend
Bangkok Thai
Blends Curry spices, honey powder, sesame seeds and is delightful on shrimp, pork, poultry and fish.
Seasoned Pepper Blend
Black Pepper, Onion, Garlic, Bell Peppers and Salt combine to bring out the best in every protein. Fish, steak, burgers, chops, chicken! If you love Black Pepper, you’ll love this blend.
Herbs de Provence
Herbs de Provence
Escoffier’s classic herbal blend. Bitter, delicate and excellent on fish, poultry and lamb. Especially lamb. Herbaceous and delightfully full of flavors of the garden. Highlight with white wine, butter, capers and Black Pepper if you think it needs it. You’ll enjoy.
Seasoned Salt
There are thousands of recipes of for Seasoned Salt Blends, but they are most often found with Garlic, Onion, a tiny amount of Black Pepper, Paprika…the recipes are endless. My ONE requirement is that it NOT contain MSG. My advice is to find or create one of your own and use it.
Whole Tellicherry Black Pepper
Black Pepper
The big dog of the spice world. It is where the word “spicy” comes from. Hot, intense, bright, wild. You’ll love this flavor, and you’ll clamor for more. I prefer Whole Tellicherry Black Pepper.
Smoked Paprika
This capsicum of Spanish origin uses an old technique on a new world favorite. Smoking brings out the flavor of Paprika without the overwhelming h eat of Chile – like Chipotle (Smoked Jalapenos). Smoked Paprika can enhance any dish from Fakir Goulash to Deviled Eggs and change it just enough for the guest to go, “Wow!”.
Minced Garlic Close Up
Minced Garlic/Toasted Minced Garlic
Most people don’t know that the overwhelming majority of wet minced garlic is not FRESH minced garlic. Instead, it has been dehydrated and then usually reconstituted with water and a tiny amount of Citric Acid.
Maldon Sea Salt
The perfect flaked sea salt that enhances any dish with just the right amount of saltiness.
True Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon/Cassia Vera
Ground Cinnamon or Cassia is simply a must-have in any spice cabinet. You can substitute Apple Pie Spice or Pumpkin Pie Spice since both of these blends are mostly made of Cinnamon, but this profile is a must in your kitchen.
There you have it! My top 11 spices for everyday cooking. Anything you would add to this list?