MUST-HAVE SPICES FOR VEGAN COOKING | an inside look at my spice cabinet

By Jessica Rogers May 9, 2023 13 mins read 144960 Views

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Difference Between Cooking With Whole vs. Ground Spices?

There are no significant differences in the cooking of whole and ground spices. All spices are ground after harvesting. The quality is the same.

The price difference is however significant. Whole spices cost more because of the labour involved in processing them. However, the flavor is worth it.

When you buy bulk spices, you may get additional discounts. You might get a discount if your entire bag is of cinnamon sticks.

The same is true for nutmeg cloves ginger, cardamom, and ginger. You may be able save money if you buy these spices in bulk.

Ground spices are also more durable than whole spices. Ground spices quickly lose their potency due to oxidation.

But the main reason why we recommend purchasing whole spices is that they add a lot of character to recipes.

A delicious curry can be made with whole turmeric as opposed to ground turmeric. Or you can grind whole coriander seeds to create a spice blend for chicken dishes.

Additionally, spices need to be ground. A large amount of whole spices is a good idea. So you don't run short of spices.

Can you add spice to a beverage?

I love how spices add flavor to food. How do you make spices alive in drinks?

Spices can bring out the best of any beverage. A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg can make any beverage more delicious, including coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and cocktails.

However, most recipes call for ground spice so you will need fresh whole spices. While this makes sense, it is costly, takes time and requires storage space.

Here is where the magic happens. With your creativity, you can turn your favorite spices into easy-to-use powdered products. Mix them with your favorite drinks to make delicious spiced beverages.

There are two methods to make these powders. One way is to grind whole spices into fine powder. Another method is to use a mortar & pestle to grind the spices until they are finely ground.

Whichever method you choose, you'll find that the resulting powder is much easier to measure out and store than whole spices. The powder is stable so you don't run low on stock.

You can experiment with mixing spices to create different flavours. For minty water you could mix spearmint with peppermint leaves. To make spicy ginger tea, you can also combine ginger and cardamom pods.

Once you've mastered making powdered spices, you can apply the same technique to herbs. You can use basil, rosemary and thyme as common herbs.

The possibilities are endless. Use powdered spices to give your beverages extra flavour or to enhance the taste of dishes such as soups, salads, and pasta.

What spices can be used in Thai cooking

Thai cuisine is famous for its complex flavor profiles. These flavor combinations are made with unique and delicious spices that produce many delicious dishes.

Common ingredients for Thai cooking are galangal, lemongrass, kaffirlim leaves, chillies and garlic.

Each of these spices is integral to Thai cuisine's unique flavour profile. In Thai cuisine, lemongrass is commonly used in soups and stews. Galangal provides a subtle peppery flavour to dishes. Kaffir lime leaves add a zesty, citrusy fragrance to dishes. Chillies give dishes a spicy kick. Shrimp paste enhances the umami flavor of dishes. Coriander gives off a light, yet fragrant aroma. Cumin adds to dishes a rich, smokey aroma. Turmeric gives dishes a vibrant, yellow hue.

Together, these spices combine to create complex flavour profiles unique to Thai cuisine. By using a combination of spices, chefs can create dishes that are both flavorful and aromatic. These spices will help you bring Thailand's flavours to your kitchen.

Statistics

According to the McCormick Science Institute, indigenous Indian spices were cultivated as early as the 8th century BC in the gardens of Babylon. (spicecravings.com)
Their 14 to 20 percent essential oil content means that cloves have the highest concentration of aroma compounds of any spice. (masterclass.com)
According to a recent survey, professional chefs and many home cooks use spices; usage has only continued to grow from 2011 to now. (hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu)

External Links

How To

How to Make a Garlic Press

A garlic press is an essential tool for any home cook. It allows you to efficiently mince garlic into a paste or puree it into a smooth sauce, soup, or salad dressing. It can also be used to crush whole garlic cloves into buttery spreads or garlic salt.

It's possible to be confused if you don’t yet own a garlicpress. Here are some tips to get you started.

First, get a large container. Place the bowl under the pressure regulator and pour the crushed garlic inside. Now, adjust the pressure regulator valve until it reaches maximum.

Next, turn the handle counterclockwise until you hear a click. You will be able to slide the blade over the bowl by lifting the top part of your press. Continue to turn the handle counterclockwise, until the blades are closed.

Finally, remove the pressed garlic and enjoy!

These are just a few of the many ways you can use this versatile tool.