Using spices in cooking

HOW TO

Flavor and color in cooking: the importance of spices

Spices are key ingredients to enrich the taste and aroma of dishes. Used correctly, they can transform an average dish into an extraordinary culinary creation. Spices are aromatic substances obtained from plants, flowers, seeds, tree barks or roots. They are used in cooking to add flavor, aroma and color to dishes.

When choosing a spice, it is important to consider its freshness and quality. High-quality spices have an intense aroma and richer flavor. Always prefer whole spices instead of powdered ones, as they retain their flavor better. Also, be sure to store them in airtight containers away from light and moisture.

To make the best use of spices, it is important to know their properties and how they combine with other ingredients. For maximum flavor, it is best to add spices while cooking dishes. This allows the flavors to mingle and develop fully.

Each spice tastes different, so it is important to experiment with proportions to find the right balance. Start with small amounts and add more if necessary. Some spices go well together; experiment with spice combinations to discover new flavors and aromas.

The scent of Italian seasonings

Italian cuisine is famous for its delicate flavors and vibrant aromas. Some essential spices for Italian cooking include:

• Oregano
  Oregano is a versatile herb that pairs perfectly with many Italian dishes. It is perfect for flavoring pizzas, pasta sauces, and soups.
• Basil
  Basil is one of the key ingredients in Italian cuisine. It adds a touch of freshness to salads, tomato pasta and mozzarella cheese dishes.
• Rosemary
  Rosemary has an intense, aromatic flavor and is ideal for flavoring roasts, baked potatoes and meat dishes.
• Sage
  Sage is a very aromatic spice that pairs well with pork or poultry dishes. It is also excellent in combination with butter for seasoning pasta.
• Chili
  Chili pepper is a spicy addition that adds heat to Italian dishes. It is perfect for pizza, sauces, and spicy pasta dishes.
• Nutmeg
  Nutmeg is a spice with a warm, slightly sweet flavor. It is often used to flavor sauces, soups, lasagna, gnocchi and vegetarian dishes. It is best to grate fresh nutmeg directly onto the dish for a more intense flavor.

A journey through ethnic spices

Spices have been a key ingredient of ethnic cuisines for centuries. They have been used to enhance the flavor of dishes, add depth, and lend a touch of originality. Each culture has its own traditional spices, which often reflect the history, geography and culinary influences of that region.

• Garam masala (Indian cuisine)
  Garam masala is an Indian spice blend that includes cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, black pepper and other spices. It adds a warm, aromatic flavor to curries, rice dishes, and meat.
• Za'atar (Middle Eastern cuisine)
  Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend consisting of thyme, sesame, sumac and salt. It is often sprinkled on breads, hummus, salads and grilled meats to give a fresh touch and a slightly citrusy flavor.
• Paprika (Spanish cuisine)
  Paprika is a widely used spice in Spanish cooking. It adds color and sweet or spicy flavor to soups, stews, tapas, and meat dishes.
• Tandoori masala (Indian cuisine)
  Tandoori masala is an Indian spice blend used to marinate meat, chicken or fish before cooking in the tandoori oven. The mixture includes spices such as cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika and cardamom.
• Harissa (North African cuisine)
  Harissa is a hot chili paste used in North African cuisine, particularly in countries such as Morocco and Tunisia. It is a versatile condiment that can be added to sauces, stews, couscous, and meat dishes.