Spice it up! — 5 Underrated Spices to Elevate Your Cooking

by Maria Konou
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Are you bored with eating the same old thing every day? If you feel stuck in the kitchen, there are some underrated spices that can completely transform your cooking. No matter if you are a seasoned cook or a college student, these spices will surely make a difference in your dishes. In this article, we will show you which are the most underrated spices out there! We will discuss which are the best dishes you can use them for, so you do not have to worry! If you want to surprise everyone with a burst of flavors and aromas, then these spices are surely the way to go! Without further ado, here are the spices you should consider cooking with:

Let’s explore the most underrated spices that will elevate your cooking

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Spice it up! — 5 Underrated Spices to Elevate Your Cooking

#Nutmeg

Nutmeg was one of the most valuables spices hundreds of years ago, but many of us neglect it in the kitchen. This spice has a warm, sweet and nutty flavor and aroma that elevate both sweet and savory dishes. You can use it to make delicious, comforting desserts like apple pie and rice pudding, or branch out and make delicious pasta sauces and meat dishes. Nutmeg will easily add a dash of warmth and coziness to any meal you cook and any dessert you bake!

Best for: Alfredo sauce, Béchamel sauce, carbonara, rice pudding, apple pie, eggnog, oatmeal, and cappuccino

Nutmeg can be used not only in desserts, but also in savory dishes

underrated seasonings and spices

#Aleppo Pepper

If you are a fan of spice, then you need aleppo pepper in your spice cabinet. The name of this spice comes from the city of Aleppo in Syria, and it is extremely wide spread in Mediterranean cooking. Aleppo pepper is medium-hot with a delicious earthy, fruity taste that will leave you wanting more. Once you try Aleppo pepper, you probably won’t go back to paprika! It works great for meat, vegetables, and homemade hummus by adding a spicy kick.

Best for: grilled or roasted vegetables, chicken, lamb, kebabs, and homemade hummus

Aleppo pepper is the ultimate spicy experience for your senses

what are the most common spices used in cooking

#Cinnamon

Everyone is familiar with the aroma and flavor of cinnamon. It is delicious in pies, amazing in lattes, and absolutely necessary for cinnamon rolls. However, what you might not know is that ground cinnamon can make your salty dishes out of this world delicious. The distinct flavor and aroma can add a delicious twist to your meat dishes. For example, adding some cinnamon in the minced meat is what gives Greek moussaka its unique flavor. Do not be afraid to experiment when it comes to this spice!

Best for: coffee, oatmeal, smoothies, cinnamon rolls, apple crisps, spiced cakes, Indian curries, and Greek moussaka

Using cinnamon in meat dishes will elevate the flavor and aroma

spices that should be in every kitchen

#Sumac

Sumac is a reddish, purplish spice that is native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It has a zesty, tangy taste that can elevate a variety of dishes. Use sumac to make dips, on top of a salad, or to roast vegetables. No matter what you decide, this spice will surely add that distinct flavor and aroma of North African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Best for: salads, fattoush, grilled meats, fish, and roasted vegetables

Sumac is a zesty spice that is used in North African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine

unusual spices for cooking

#Shichimi Togarashi

If you are a fan of using one seasoning for a variety of dishes, then shichimi togarashi is the spice for you! This Japanese spice is a blend of seven spices including sesame seeds, seaweed, ginger, Sichuan pepper, and more. This is the ideal spice for anything savory including meat dishes, ramen, and tofu!

Best for: meat dishes, udon noodles, ramen soup, sushi rolls, grilled chicken, seafood, and tofu

Shichimi togarashi is a Japanese blend of seven different spices

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Now you know which are the most underrated spices you need when cooking!

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Maria Konou

Maria Konou is a specialist in the field of digital marketing and fashion. However, she has always had a way with words. That’s what led her to her dream job here at Archzine. She has worked in many different fields over the years, but according to her, being an author has been the most rewarding. Maria is a huge plant enthusiast, loves everything fashion-related, is very sustainably aware, and is always open to learning about new things.