Spices Masterclass | How to use spices in cooking

By Rose Swartz April 25, 2023 14 mins read 116470 Views

At Belovedsaffron.com, we are dedicated to exploring the amazing world of spices and herbs, encouraging sustainable eating practices and sharing meaningful stories.

Through our website, we want to bring people closer to delicious, creative meals that nourish both body and soul. We don’t intend to become famous chefs –we just love food!

We firmly believe in celebrating the beauty of different cultures through their cuisine. From home kitchens to 5-star restaurants, each meal has its own secret recipe for success.

The love for Saffron initially inspired us on this journey, but our mission is much larger than that. We strive to provide helpful resources and meaningful conversations about organic farming techniques, cooking tips and culinary customs from around the world.

If you’d like to join us in showcasing your special family recipes or other noteworthy ideas relating to food culture, please reach out at [email protected] –your contribution will be highly cherished!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ...

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Your Spices?

Keep them in an airtight container away from light and heat.

To store spices for longer periods of time, place them in a dark cupboard. This will ensure that they stay fresh and prevent any possible oxidation.

Store your spices in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. A heater or window can cause the spice to lose its aroma and flavour.

Spices should be stored in an airtight tin or glass jar. Make sure that there is no moisture in any plastic containers you store spices in.

After opening the seal, make sure to inspect it again. Humidity can cause spoilage.

Do not throw away any spices that you have left over. Instead, use them up by adding them to other dishes. For an extended shelf life, you can freeze the vegetables.

What mint is used in Thai food?

Thai cuisine uses the most popular type of mint, the lime-leaf (Mentha cevina).

Its mild, lemony taste adds freshness and zest to dishes. Other spices such as lemongrass, galangal, garlic and coriander are also frequently added to enhance the flavour of Thai dishes.

Mint can be used as a sweet or savoury herb. Using the right spices, herbs, and aromatics is essential to achieving delicious authentic Thai flavours.

next time you make a Thai dish, don't forget to include some lime-leaf mint for extra flavour!

Happy cooking!

What is the most recognizable ingredient in Thai food?

In Thailand, two main ingredients make up the heart of all dishes: rice and curry. This is how you get an unforgettable flavor.

Combining these two basic foods into one dish is known as "Khaopad Krai" in Thailand.

It's the same for your life. If you combine hard work with perseverance, you can achieve great success.

Like Khao Pad Krai, you can also succeed by combining the right ingredients: passion and purpose. Combining them will produce something special.

Next time you feel like eating Thai food, remember that it takes more than just rice and curry to make a memorable meal. Have fun with it!

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

There are no differences between cooking with whole spices or ground spices. After harvesting, spices are ground. It doesn't make a difference in terms of quality.

However, this price differential is quite significant. Whole spices are more expensive because of the labor required to process them. But the flavour is worth it.

When you buy bulk spices, you may get additional discounts. A whole bag of cinnamon sticks might be eligible for a discount.

The same applies to nutmeg and cloves, ginger or cardamom. You might be able to save money by buying these spices in bulk.

Whole spices also last longer than ground spices. Because ground spices lose potency quickly from oxidation, this is why whole spices last longer than ground spices.

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

Whole turmeric can be used to make delicious curry. For chicken dishes, whole coriander seeds can be ground to make a spice blend.

It takes time to grind spices. It makes sense to purchase large quantities of whole spices when you are buying them. That way, you won't run out of spices too fast.

Does Thai use ginger?

The answer is yes. In traditional Thai cuisine, ginger is used extensively. Ginger is often used to make stir-fries and soups. It is also used in desserts, drinks, such a lassis.

Ginger is a common ginger plant in China, Japan, Korea, and elsewhere. Its origins can be traced back to more than 5,000years ago. It is thought that it originated in Southeast Asia, where its medicinal uses were cultivated.

Ginger has been known to improve digestion and reduce nausea. It may even help prevent migraines. In addition, ginger aids in reducing muscle spasms, relieving joint pains, and treating arthritis.

Ginger is often fresh in Thailand. It is then cut into thin strips and dried. You can buy ginger root in jars or cans from Asian markets.

Statistics

It has been estimated that around 1,000 tons of pepper and 1,000 tons of other common spices were imported into Western Europe each year during the Late Middle Ages. (en.wikipedia.org)
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)
India contributes to 75% of global spice production. (en.wikipedia.org)

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How To

Are You able to make curry paste?

Curry paste can be made with dried chillies. It's used extensively in Thai cuisine.

Curry paste is one of the most popular condiments in Southeast Asia. Curry paste can add a distinct flavour to many dishes like curries.

It is easy to make your own at-home recipes! Follow our step-bystep guide below.

Step1 - Prepare Ingredients

Before starting the recipe, you will need to prepare all ingredients.
Begin by peeling and cutting shallots into small pieces (about 2 cups). Cut galangal root in small pieces, about 3 inches long. Set aside.
Next, peel and slice garlic cloves (about four cloves). Next, peel and mince the lemongrass stems (about 1/2-inch thick).
Then, crush dried red chilli peppers (about four tablespoons) and remove the seeds (optional).
Next, slice the kaffir lime leaves in thin strips of about 5 inches. Remove the white part of the stem and set it aside.
After draining the shrimp paste, wash it well and then coarsely smash it.
Finally, measure out sugar and salt.

Step2 - Grind Ingredients

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
The texture should look similar to peanut-butter.
Not to worry if the dish contains too much oil, you can use water to replace it.

Step3 - Add Coconut Milk

Mix in coconut milk and stir well.
Slowly add coconut milk to ensure that the paste doesn't become too sticky.
You can reduce the amount of chillies and increase the quantity of galangal root if you prefer it less spicy.
If you like it spicier, add more chillies and less galangal root. The end result should be delicious.

Step4 – Serve