Transform Your Cooking with Creative Use of Spices

Looking to spice up your cooking? The creative use of spices can take your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.

Spices have the power to transform even the simplest dishes into a tantalizing culinary experience. But knowing how to use them effectively can be daunting. 

From marinating to pickling, toasting to grinding, and baking to blooming, there are a variety of techniques for incorporating spices into your cooking. In this blog post, we'll explore the different methods of using spices and provide tips on how to make the most of their flavors in your dishes. 

Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, these tips and tricks will help you elevate your dishes with the perfect blend of spices.

So, let's dive in and discover how to make the most of your spice rack!

Preparation

Marinating

Marinating is done by infusing spices with a liquid such as oil, vinegar, juice, water, or buttermilk and then adding to the main ingredient. Marinades can be used for meats, vegetables, ceviches, or kimchi.

Rubbing

A rub is created by combining spices and rubbing the main ingredient before cooking. This allows for all the flavors of the spices to be absorbed. It is best used for dry heat cookery, such as in the oven or on a grill. Using whole spices such as coriander or cumin is also an option and can create a crust.

Blending

Spice blends are produced by combining different spices. Examples of blends are BBQ, creole, berbere, Piri Piri, garam masala, and za'atar. Experiment and create your spice blends with your favorite spices.

Grinding

Grinding is done by taking whole spices and using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to create a powder. Doing so unlocks maximum flavor from the spices and creates a smooth texture for it to be added to dishes.

Paste

Pastes are usually made ahead of time and stored to make a new stew or sauce. Pastes are started by blooming spices and aromatics until well infused in a liquid and then ground in a mortar and pestle or electric grinder until a paste is formed, and then stored in a jar in the refrigerator until needed.

Cooking

Toasting 

The purpose of toasting spices is to bring out the complexity and flavors. Whole spices can be placed in a dry, flat plan at very low heat, and let the spices warm slowly. Shake the spices every minute for even toasting and once they are ready, the fragrance will fill the room and the color will be a little darker. The spices should be used immediately after toasting.

Blooming

Blooming is when you add spices to either water or fat. It brings out the flavors in the spices. Heat them gently in a generous amount of fat that is appropriate for what you are cooking. Different oils will absorb flavor and aroma differently. When the oil is fragrant and the spices have softened a little, the blooming process is complete. 

Baking 

Spices are used across the world in sweet and savory baked goods. Spices should be ground before cooking and added to the dry ingredients or filling. Spices can even be used to top the baked good or infused into an oil or butter and added to the batter. Common baked goods with spices are rye-flour bread with caraway seeds, Swedish pastries infused with cardamom or saffron, and Arab flatbread topped with za'atar

Plating

Garnishing

Garnishing is adding spices to dishes when finished cooking. This can simply be adding black pepper to a dish or sumac to hummus. Once the dish is removed from the heat, add your favorite spice right before serving.

Other 

Infusing

Infusing spices is common with oils and water. Oil tends to absorb a lot of flavor, aroma, and color. To infuse the oil, combine the oil and spice in a pot and heat until the oil takes on the flavor and aroma. The oil can be strained or stored with spices for a stronger flavor.

Infusing water can make a quicker cooking process by extracting the flavor of spices in the water. Hot water infusions can be done within 10 minutes, while cold water should be infused and stored for about 8 hours in the fridge.

Pickling

Pickling is usually done with vinegar, brine, oil, or salt to preserve food safely. Spices can be added for flavor and antimicrobial properties. It is important to add spices as early as possible in the pickling process. Massage these spices into vegetables with added salt and strain. Pack your pickled products into a mason jar with a loose cap to allow for fermentation.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating spices into your cooking can be an exciting and creative way to take your dishes to the next level.

Whether you're looking to add a subtle hint of flavor or a bold burst of heat, there are endless possibilities when it comes to using spices.

With the techniques outlined in this post, you can experiment with different combinations of spices and explore the unique flavors they can bring to your meals.

So don't be afraid to get creative and try new things in the kitchen – the world of spices is waiting for you!

Featured Download

Spice up your culinary skills with our printable How to Use Spices handout. Download it now to learn creative ways to marinate, rub, grind, toast, bloom, bake, garnish, infuse, and pickle with spices.

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