By now you’ve heard the news...tasty dishes are more fun to eat. Often times, healthy food gets a bad rap. You think it’s flavorless and boring. Guess what - the key to making healthy food fun is spice! If you are new to the kitchen, you need to learn about basic flavors. You know you love to dip your veggies in a ranch-style dressing, but what are the flavors in Ranch? And you know that you should stop eating chinese take-out, and try making stir-frys at home, but how do you achieve that flavor in your own sauce pan?!
Developing flavor is sort of an experiment. Sure, I could write out a bunch of different recipes for all of your culinary favorites. To really get good in the kitchen, however, you’ll need to know what herbs and spices are used in your favorite dishes. I made it easy for you by developing this chart of common dry spices in different kinds of cuisine. PRINT IT OUT and tape it to the inside of your spice cabinet. Then when you need a dinner idea at the last minute, you can open your door to this chart and use whatever spices are in your cupboard! Using your homemade recipes means you leave out added salt, preservatives and flavors that you don’t want anyway.
 |
Need an example?
It’s Taco Tuesday, and you are craving a good chicken taco. You have every ingredient at home except the packet of taco seasoning. Grab your chart and see what you have! Mix up some chili, garlic and onion powder (all considered staples in my pantry), and you are good to go! You don’t need EVERY ingredient on the spice list, 2 or 3 in each category will give you a good start. And of course, remember the salt and pepper.
Ok, Ok. I know you are scared… here are a couple recipes for seasonings that I love!
Taco Seasoning:
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Mix these together and store in an airtight container! Use it to season chicken or beef while cooking on taco night!
Ranch-Style Veggie Dip
½ c plain greek yogurt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons chives
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all together and refrigerate for at least an hour. Voila! Happy Veggies!
You now have some ideas and a tool to help you start creating your own flavors. Stock up on the spices you use most, so you always have them on hand.
Comment below with your favorite way to combine spices!
