Whether you’re just starting to cook for yourself or looking to expand your culinary horizons, here’s my list of essential spices and seasonings for flavorful food.
Spices and seasonings are integral to any well-stocked pantry and can transform any dish with a sprinkle of this or a dash of that. During this time of shelter-in-place orders, many are embracing their kitchens for the first time and could use a little help in stocking their pantries. One of my friends is doing just that and asked for a list of spices the other week, which prompted me to create this post to share with all of you.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, then you’ll likely already have a pretty good idea of what flavors I’m drawn to in my cooking, but I also encourage you, as always, to only take this as a starting point and think about what herbs, spices, and seasonings you really enjoy.
In addition to being able to create delicious dishes, there’s an added bonus of having an array of bottles and jars in your spice cabinet: in a time when many of us are stuck at home, “You can go anywhere in the world, culinarily, with a pinch or two,” my friend Charlotte Druckman wrote in her cookbook Kitchen Remix.
Essential Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings
- Kosher Salt (Preferably Diamond Crystal)
- Black Pepper
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Garlic Powder (It’s a lot more convenient then always having to deal with fresh garlic.)
- Chili Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Dried Thyme (It’s the dried herb I use most.)
- Cinnamon (If you want to bake at all or even just to sprinkle on top of oatmeal.)
Highly Recommended Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings
- Flaky Sea Salt (i.e. Maldon)
- Paprika (preferably smoked)
- Ground Cumin
- Cayenne Pepper
- Dried Bay Leaves
Nice to Have Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings
- Curry Powder
- Harissa Spice Blend (If you have seen my recent posts, you’ll know why.)
- Nutmeg (Whole nutmeg will last longer, but the pre-grated stuff is fine too.)
- Ground Cardamom (I like it for baking, but there are also savory applications.)
- Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
What else would you add to this list?
My cabinet matches your list except for the harissa! $10 for Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt?!?!? I’m so glad I stocked up!
I haven’t seen Diamond Crystal in the grocery store in ages!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt in the grocery store. I
bought mine at Costco before it switched over to Morton’s (WHY?!?!?).
Nice assortment! One of my favorite spice mixes is Herbs de Provence and I always keep some whole bay leaves on hand. White pepper has also been a new addition to my rack. My everyday salt is French Sea Salt by San Francisco Salt Co.
Herbs de Provence is a nice addition! I have some white pepper in my cabinet too, but I don’t use it very often.
Yeah, my white pepper doesn’t get much play neither but when it does, it slaps!
My fave is onion powder – this girl’s system just can’t handle fresh onions for some reason, so I’ve come to love the slightly sweet, subtle flavor of onion powder. Overall a great list and resource!
I love Maldon’s smoked salt !!!! It’s everything