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6 Essential Herbs and Spices Every Home Cook Should Stock

6 Essential Herbs and Spices Every Home Cook Should Stock

You likely already have pantry staples like oregano, thyme, and cinnamon. Add these six powerhouse seasonings to elevate your cooking and tackle endless delicious recipes with confidence.

1. Curry Powder

A vibrant blend of ginger, cardamom, coriander, cloves, caraway, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper. Versatile enough for nearly any dish—perfect in vegetable curries, baked meat alternatives, and more.

Read also: "These 10 Popular Herbs Don't Match Medicines"

2. Turmeric

Mild on its own, turmeric enhances other spices beautifully and is a staple in Asian cuisine. Renowned for its anti-inflammatory benefits, it's also ideal for whipping up nourishing golden milk.

3. Smoked Paprika Powder

Unlike regular paprika, this version starts with ripe peppers smoked for a bold, spicy-sweet barbecue flavor. Ideal for Mexican recipes, seasoning meats or plant-based substitutes, and enriching tomato sauces.

4. Djinten (Ground Cumin Seed)

Its warm, spicy profile shines in curries and lentil dishes, pairs wonderfully with soy sauce in Oriental recipes. Fun fact: A teaspoon daily may boost fat burning by up to three times.

5. Ketumbar (Coriander Seed Powder)

Teaming up with curry powder, turmeric, and djinten, ketumbar forms the backbone of authentic curries. Distinct from fresh coriander, it offers a mildly spicy, nutty taste with citrus notes.

6. Ras el Hanout

Translating to 'top of the shop,' this North African mix can include over 20 spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, turmeric, and cloves. Exceptional in Moroccan tajines, but use sparingly—its robust flavor takes center stage.

Discover more kitchen tips in the September issue of Santé, now in stores.

Text: Annemiek de Gier, image: Stockfood