Cook Like the Colonel With Ten Herbs and Spices
One of the main reasons why people don’t use a lot of different seasonings is because they aren’t quite sure what works with particular types of foods. There are ten essential herbs and seasonings, besides salt and pepper that you should have in your kitchen that will go with almost anything.
#1-Basil: One of the staples in pasta sauces and pesto. Also good for salads, this herb is best used fresh. Many cooks keep a potted basil plant in their kitchen for ease of access and freshness.
#2-Thyme: Commonly used as an ingredient in meat rubs, it also works well in soups, stews, and casseroles. A small amount goes a long way, so mind the quantities when using this potent herb.
#3- Rosemary: This is a very fragrant herb and it has a flavor all its own. It is also strong, so use it with care. It’s perfect for potato dishes and can help ease the strong taste of lamb.
#4-Garlic: You should never be without this in your kitchen. No matter how you see it, garlic can add so much character to the simplest of dishes. Available as a paste and in granule form, it is still best when used raw.
#5-Oregano: This is a very versatile herb, commonly used in soups, pasta sauces, vegetable dishes, pizzas, and roast meats. Its wonder aroma can liven even the most boring recipes.
#6-Red Pepper: If you like your food hot and spicy, you need not look any further. Red peppers not only add heat, used correctly, they can intensify the taste of many dishes. Mexican dishes and chillies are the perfect grounds for honing your cooking skills with this wonderful spice. Just put in a little at first. You can always add more later.
#7-Dill: Reminds you of freshly-cut grass, the subtle taste of this herb is like a breath of fresh air. Commonly used in egg dishes, soups, salads, and sandwiches, it more suited to dishes that are intended to be mildly flavoured to highlight the taste of the main ingredient.
#8-Sage: It works well with chicken, pork and lamb dishes – even when combined with other herbs. Also great with potatoes and other vegetables. Lastly, mild cheeses will get a kick from it.
#9- Chives: The most common use for chives is in potato and egg dishes. It’s got a fairly strong onion flavor and the color is a nice plus, too.
#10-Mint: Not just for chocolates, this versatile herb can be used for vegetable dishes – it’s perfect for peas. It can also be used along with fruits and the usual confectionery treat.
There you have it! Ten herbs and seasonings that should be in every kitchen! Of course, there are others that are terrific, too, but for those just learning about herbs and seasonings, these are the mainstays. Experiment a little with these herbs and seasonings and you’ll soon find a mix that you really enjoy. Bon appetite!
Michelle is an accomplished season article writer about family food preparation. She really relishes sharing with us her creative ideas and tips about preparing crockpot or possibly crock pot pot roast.