The essential spices in today's kitchen

Discover the essential spices every modern cook should have in their pantry to elevate their dishes. This selection covers everything from classic flavours to those that bring a contemporary touch to any recipe. Explore the essential herbs and spices for a kitchen full of flavour and aroma, perfect for everyday use. Find inspiration to create delicious meals with a solid foundation of seasonings. A fundamental guide to equipping your kitchen with the best flavours.

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  1. 1

    Fenugreek

    546 Global Votes
    • Used in curries and sauces

      (+4)

    Fenugreek is a versatile spice with a unique, slightly bitter and sweet flavor, used in a wide variety of cuisines, including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and African. It is ideal for enhancing the flavor of curries, sauces, chutneys, meat dishes, eggs, and cheeses, adding a distinctive and aromatic flavor profile.

  2. 2

    Garam Masala

    128 Global Votes
    • Enhances the flavor of legumes

      (+4)

    Garam Masala is a versatile and aromatic spice blend, essential for adding depth and warmth to a wide variety of dishes, from curries to soups, enhancing flavors and providing an exotic touch.

  3. 3

    Cloves

    11 Global Votes
    • It can be used in sweet and savory cooking

      (+4)

    Cloves are a fundamental spice in modern cuisine, valued for their intense aroma and warm, slightly sweet and spicy flavor, which adds depth to a wide range of recipes, both sweet and savory.

  4. 4

    Turmeric

    7 Global Votes
    • It can be used as a substitute for saffron

      (+4)

    Turmeric is a versatile spice with an earthy and slightly peppery flavor that enhances a wide variety of dishes, from curries to soups and smoothies. In addition to its unique flavor profile, turmeric is valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an essential ingredient for a healthy and modern kitchen.

  5. 5

    Star anise

    7 Global Votes
    • Boosts hot drinks like coffee

      (+4)

    Star anise is a versatile spice with a sweet and spicy aroma, ideal for enhancing both sweet and savory dishes, and is a key component in traditional spice blends such as Chinese five spice.

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  7. 6

    Cayenne / dried chili

    5 Global Votes
    • It can be a subtle garnish

      (+4)

    Dried chili, also known as cayenne, is an essential spice for its intense and spicy flavor, which adds a characteristic touch of heat to stews, sauces and meats, being a fundamental condiment in modern cuisine.

  8. 7

    Cilantro grain (coriander)

    4 Global Votes
    • Main component of curry

      (+4)

    Coriander seeds are a versatile spice with a citrusy and slightly nutty flavor, ideal for enhancing both sweet and savory dishes. Their intense aroma makes them an essential component in many spice blends and cuisines around the world.

  9. 8

    Black Pepper

    2 Global Votes
    • Amplifies other flavors without overpowering

      (+4)

    Black pepper is one of the most widely used spices in the world and is a staple ingredient in Spanish cuisine. It adds a spicy and aromatic touch that enhances the flavor of any dish.

  10. 9

    Cardamom

    2 Global Votes
    • It is used in sweet and savory dishes

      (+4)

    Cardamom is an aromatic and versatile spice, originally from India, that adds an exotic and distinctive flavor to a wide range of sweet and savory dishes, being an indispensable ingredient in cuisines such as Indian, Middle Eastern and Arabic.

  11. 10

    Sumac

    2 Global Votes
    • It adds acidity and color to the preparations

      (+4)

    Sumac is a versatile spice with a tangy, fruity flavor that enhances a wide variety of dishes, from grilled meats to salads and dips, adding a unique citrusy note. Its vibrant red color also makes it an attractive garnish for plating, making it an essential ingredient for any modern cook.

  12. 11

    Saffron

    1 Global Votes
    • Imparts an earthy, pungent, or fruity taste

      (+4)

    Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world and is an essential ingredient in paella and other Spanish rice dishes. It imparts a golden color and a unique flavor that make these dishes special.

  13. 12

    Oregano

    1 Global Votes
    • Earthy, aromatic flavor

      (+3)

    Oregano is an aromatic herb widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and is a staple ingredient in Italian and Greek cooking. It's the perfect spice for salads, pizzas, and tomato sauces.

  14. 13

    Sweet Paprika

    0 Global Votes
    • Adds color and sweetness without heat

      (+1)

    Sweet paprika is a very versatile ingredient used in a wide variety of Spanish dishes, from stews and rice dishes to meats and vegetables. It adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that enhances the taste of the ingredients.

  15. 14

    Cumin

    0 Global Votes
    • Adds warm flavor

      (+2)

    Cumin is a spice with a warm and earthy flavor used in many Spanish dishes, especially in southern Spanish cuisine. It is a key ingredient in dishes such as gazpacho, couscous, and tagine.

  16. 15

    Cinnamon

    0 Global Votes
    • Easy to incorporate into doughs, creams and desserts

      (+4)

    Cinnamon is a versatile and warming spice, prized for its sweet aroma and its ability to enhance both sweet and savory dishes, making it an essential ingredient in modern cooking.

  17. 16

    Nutmeg

    0 Global Votes
    • Special aroma and flavor for seasoning dishes

      (+4)

    Nutmeg is a versatile spice with a warm, slightly sweet and aromatic flavor, ideal for enhancing both savory and sweet dishes, from stews and béchamel sauces to pastries and cakes.

  18. 17

    Ginger Powder

    0 Global Votes
    • It contains anti-inflammatory properties

      (+4)

    Powdered ginger is a versatile and spicy condiment with a warm, slightly sweet flavor, essential in many international cuisines. Its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties make it a must-have ingredient for enhancing both savory and sweet dishes.

  19. 18

    Yellow mustard seeds

    0 Global Votes
    • It is used in marinades and pickles

      (+4)

    Yellow mustard seeds are a versatile and spicy spice, used whole or ground to flavor marinades, pickles, sauces and curries, providing a crunchy texture and intense flavor.

  20. 19

    Curry Powder

    0 Global Votes
    • Enhances the exotic flavor of dishes

      (+4)

    Curry powder is a fundamental spice blend in today's cuisine, especially for Indian and Thai dishes, adding complexity and warmth to meals.

  21. 20

    Ras el hanout

    0 Global Votes
    • Popular in tagines, soups, rice dishes and vegetables

      (+3)

    Ras el hanout is a complex and versatile Moroccan spice blend, prized for its warm aroma and exotic flavor, ideal for a wide range of dishes such as tagines, couscous, meats and vegetables.

  22. 21

    Allspice

    0 Global Votes
    • It offers an unparalleled combination of flavors

      (+4)

    Allspice is a versatile spice that combines notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, making it ideal for a wide range of savory and sweet dishes. Its unique flavor profile makes it an essential ingredient in cuisines around the world, especially in the Caribbean.

  23. 22

    Za'atar

    0 Global Votes
    • Aromatic and earthy flavor

      (+2)

    Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice and herb blend prized for its aromatic, earthy, and citrusy flavor, which elevates a wide variety of dishes. Its versatility makes it an essential seasoning in contemporary cuisine.