Spices add health benefits as well as flavor; if you’re new to using them, start with these

08/23/2019 / By Stephanie Diaz

If you have just started to learn how to cook, the rows upon rows of spices at the supermarket might be a little overwhelming. Each spice has a unique flavor that makes every dish taste a lot better. Not only that, but many spices offer health benefits, too.

Beginner-friendly spices

Some spices may seem exotic and unfamiliar to a beginner. It may be daunting to experiment with spices given all the available choices and possible food combinations, but every beginner has to start somewhere. If you’re just starting on your journey toward improving your cooking using spices, then check out these beginner-friendly spices.

Cardamom

Cardamom has a sweet, floral, and peppery flavor. Cardamoms often come in whole pods that you should smash open to get the seeds. To get a mild cardamom flavor, add these seeds while cooking, then remove them before eating. For a stronger flavor, grind the cardamom seeds into fine powder then add to the dish.

This spice has anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-nausea properties. It also aids in digestion and has protective cardiovascular effects.

Cardamom goes well with:

Oatmeal
Granola
Banana bread
Muffins
Cookies
Popsicles
Smoothies
Hot chocolate
Poached pears
Peaches
Apple pie
Mango crumble
Sweet potatoes
Brussels sprouts
Butternut squash
Rice
Quinoa
Tea
Coffee

Turmeric

Turmeric has an earthy, peppery, and slightly bitter flavor. If you want a vibrant, bright, and peppery taste, use grated or thinly sliced turmeric root. If you’re going for a milder and earthier flavor, then it is better to use dried turmeric powder.

Turmeric should be combined with black pepper to get the most of its health benefits. This root is known for its anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anticancer properties. Many people also believe that turmeric can prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Turmeric is best used in fresh in the following:

Pickles
Soups
Stews
Teas
Smoothies

While turmeric powder is best used with:

Warm nut milk
Lentils
Beans
Curries
Stews
Green beans
Carrots
Peas
Potatoes
Cauliflower
Rice
Quinoa
Millet
Popcorn

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a warm, woody, sweet, and peppery flavor. You can use a whole bark of cinnamon to add a subtle aroma and flavor to any meal or you can get it in powdered form for a stronger flavor.

This spice is known to contain compounds with anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, cinnamon supports heart and cognitive health.

Cinnamon is a versatile ingredient and can be added to:

Oatmeal
Granola
Yogurt
Stews
Curries
Sweet potatoes
Winter squash
Rice
Cakes
Muffins
Cookies
Ice cream
Baked apples
Brownies
Smoothies
Hot chocolate

Paprika

The flavor of paprika depends on the variety of pepper it was sourced from. The most common type of paprika is almost tasteless and only provides vibrancy to dishes. Sweet paprika has a mild sweet flavor that is reminiscent of bell peppers. Lastly, hot paprika is the spicy variant, but not as spicy as cayenne.

Paprika can be added directly to dishes for a milder flavor or dispersed in warm oil for a stronger flavor and color.

Many people believe that paprika has anti-obesity, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Paprika can enhance color and flavor of foods like:

Lentil soup
Minestrone
Pomodoro
Salad dressings
Dips
Hummus
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
Eggplant
Zucchini

Cumin

Cumin has a warm, earthy, and peppery but slightly bitter flavor. Whole seeds can be sauteed in oil to unleash a complex flavor that works well as a base for dishes. Cumin is also available in powdered form and is best used toward the end of cooking.

Cumin is known to enhance metabolic and immune function. It also contains properties that have antifungal and antibacterial effects.

Cumin goes well with: