For the Love of Cooking - Herbs and Spices I Always have in my Pantry

I keep my non-perishables in my pantry. Of course the treasures in my pantry are my spices and herbs.

Before I start cooking I decide what type of food I will be cooking. Italian, Mexican, Persian, etc. I do that to know which herbs and spices to pull and use in my cooking so the flavours are there and appreciated. 

Once you decide on your spice group, you take your protein, and season accordingly. You can literally take the same protein add a different spice group to it and VOILA a new meal!

I broke my pantry down to what I'm calling "spice groups". Some are repeated, but you can pick and chose what you use to add to your pantry.

Also please note that I made these spice groups up. Yes, they are based on the whole list of herbs of a culture however they are not official or all inclusive of what each culture has to offer. I just find it easier to have a well rounded pantry while still being realistic in my range of pantry content. The flavours are present regardless.

Your herbs/spices must be fresh too so if you do not use them for over a year, most likely they are not going to be as strong. You will notice you are missing flavour. 

FUNDABBLER FACT

There is actually a difference between spices and herbs. "Herbs are the leaves of the plant, while spices come from the roots, bark, and seeds. Essentially, any part of the plant that is not a leaf and can be used for seasoning would fall into the spice category." 

Spices/Herbs:

ITALIAN

Rosemary

Basil

Oregano

Cilantro

MEXICAN

Paprika

Coriander powder 

Dried Oregano

Smoked Paprika or Chipotle Powder

Chili Powder of choice

Cinnamon

INDIAN

Turmeric

Coriander

ground Chili powder

Ground Fennel seed

OR

Just a pack of curry powder

Ginger powder/Ginger

Whole Black Mustard Seeds

PERSIAN

Turmeric

Saffron

Cinnamon

Cardamom

CHINESE

Cilantro Leaves Dried 

Soy Sauce

Ginger Powder
Sesame Seeds
Dried Orange/Tangerine Zest (or you can do fresh when you cook)

5 Spice Powder

OR

Ground Cloves
Ground Fennel seeds

Pepper corn (Sichuan pepper corns)

MOROCCAN

Saffron
Turmeric

Ginger

Mint

Cumin

Cinnamon

Dried parsley/corriander

Cloves


Of Course...

Salt & Black Pepper

Bouillon cubes (Chicken/veggie broth cubes)

NOTE: if you decide to use garlic or onion powder to make things a bit easier for yourself (mind you flavours will not be completely the same when using powder over fresh) be sure you are not purchasing the SALT. So read the ingredients on the back of your container to make sure the only ingredient in your Garlic or Onion powder is just that.

To be fair, in my pantry I also have ground nutmeg, dried fenugreek, star anise, dried dill, poppy seeds, dried lemon powder, and sumac in my pantry. When you start cooking you realise what you and your family like so you personalise it! Don't be afraid to experiment!

ENJOY!