If you have ever read any of my blog then you know that I love spices; these beautifully coloured aromatic powders have the power to not only nourish and heal our bodies, but to completely change any meal.
Just a teaspoon of the right spice can take a dish from bland to grand!
When it comes to embracing vegetables and learning to add more of them to your meals, I think spices are your secret weapon. You can bring all the flavours you love to your plate via your vegetables and make them sing.
Likewise you can use dried herbs, but for me, it’s all about spices, that’s where I would begin…and again, I know that lots of you use spices regularly and know far more than me about them, so please pass this onto to anyone you think might find it useful 🙂
Please keep in mind, this is a starting point for anyone looking for ways to pimp their vegetables. And of course, spices can boost any dish, for now, it’s just all about the veg!
So, where to start? If you stand in front of a selection of spices in any shop it can be overwhelming so this is my advice…
You don’t need to have a huge library of spices immediately; my vast collection has grown over a number of years, but to begin with, I only bought those I needed for particular recipes; as I am not talking about anything so prescriptive, I would start with spice mixes. You don’t need to make your own like I do, (not to begin with anyway, you might fancy trying that later?) for starters I’d look at what is available in your local shops. All I would say is, for me, shop bought spice mixes usually have too much salt, but that’s just me and my tastes, try some and see what you think.
If you think of the flavours that you like, go with them:
If you like Indian flavours, buy spice mixes with names that you recognise – tandoori, korma, madras, rogan josh, tikka, garam masala (masala means mix). Think of dishes you’ve enjoyed and choose based on those flavours.
If you like Mexican or South American food, try taco/fajita mixes, or creole or cajun, or just smoked paprika. For me, a creole mix is really user friendly, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like it.
If you like Middle Eastern flavours, try baharat, ras el hanout, za’atar or harissa. Or try some lovely citrusy sumac. As a note…many Middle Eastern flavours include cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and/or cloves, what we might consider Christmassy spices in the UK. If you try baharat or ras el hanout you’ll find these flavours, and they can be quite strong so don’t be heavy handed with these spice mixes until you get to know them .
If you like spicy food, try some chilli powder.
I would also pick up some cumin powder, it’s a lovely starting point, and some paprika, as it’s so useful.
Be drawn by flavours and names you recognise.
You will find lots of spices mixes in supermarkets, but I would also suggest visiting an Asian or Middle Eastern supermarket if you have one nearby, their spices are good quality and they have a fast turnaround, or look online at www.spicekitchenuk.com – they have perfect sized little sachets for an ideal introduction to spices (definitely try their Mexican blend!) and their fresh spices are lovely.
As a basic starting point for using spices, ignore the directions and recipes on the packets for now and go back to my post about roasting vegetables; once you’ve sprayed the vegetables with oil prior to roasting, sprinkle over a tablespoon of your spice mix and stir it through the vegetables then roast as before.
Alternatively, in large bowl, add a tablespoon or two (depending on your quantity of vegetables) of olive or rapeseed oil, stir in your spices, then add the prepared vegetables and toss them in the oil and spice mixture. Then roast as before.
I will come onto other ideas for marinating and seasoning vegetables, but for now, why not throw some spices over your vegetables this weekend and see what you think? Try it with vegetables you’ve never really liked and see how they become something wonderful – for example, try roasting brussel sprouts (outer leaves removed and each one cut in half) in one of the Indian spice mixes, they’re so good! Make sure you roast them until the edges get crispy 😉
These pics from my kitchen might also give you some ideas…
Above are carrots roasted with cumin and Aleppo chilli flakes. If you’re not a chilli fan, just try carrots with cumin.
Above are aubergine slices about to be roasted with chermoula spice mix over them. Alternatively try these with ras el hanout or Harissa spice.
Above…I roasted courgettes and aubergines with a selection of spices…try any one of the Indian spice mixes and see what you think..
Above is kohlrabi, carrot, sweet potatoes and shallots roasted in my own Moroccan spice mix. Try it with cumin, paprika and a sprinkle of salt. Replace the kohlrabi with parsnip or swede (rutabaga) and see just how different they can taste. Above is mushrooms, red onion, leeks and kale roasted with olive oil, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Try a good sprinkle of sumac as something different (for sumac I’d sprinkle over a couple of tablespoonfuls). I threw this together the other day with our dinner..mushrooms, red peppers, red onions and garlic cloves with paprika. Nice with a sprinkle of chilli powder?
This butternut squash above it roasted with za’atar spice. Butternut squash and sweet potato are great with a Mexican spice mix, especially a creole or Cajun mix. If in doubt, just try a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika as a first step and see what you think.
Basically, be brave! A little makes a lot of difference and you can build it up as you get more confident. If in doubt, just ask 😉
I’m sharing my spiced vegetable ideas with everyone at Fiesta Friday this week – I hope they like them! Check out what everyone is cooking this weekend with co hosts Judi and Quinn.
Have fun!
Coming next in the series: getting crunchy!
Reblogged this on What's for dinner, Doc? and commented:
More veggie magic from Elaine @FoodBod. Its all about the spice, ’bout the spice.
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Thank you, I reblogged your beautiful post.
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Thank you so much – do you like my ideas?
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Absolutely, I’m getting new ideas and reminders from this series. We are a veggie centric family and I admit sometimes I don’t have the energy to be creative.
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Thank you so much, I was looking forward to seeing what you think 🙂
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Excellent post and tips. Yes spice is our friend and it really does so much to add zing to the veggies. You are the vegetable whisperer.
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Yay! I like that!!! I wish I’d thought of that when I set up my blog!!!
Thank you xx
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You are for sure. The pied piper of vegetables. Honestly your recipes make even vegetable haters lovers.
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Oh Suzanne, thank you so much, that’s such a huge compliment! I’m overwhelmed xxxx
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It’s true!
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🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
xxxx
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What a visually stunning post. Spices really are a game changer and when you know how to use them it transforms everything. Like Colombus, I’d travel the seas in search of this culinary gold 🙂
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Thank you 🙂 and I completely agree x
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Elaine, this is amazing, the pictures are gorgeous and the ideas are fantastic! Of course I love all of the spices you are talking about! Love love love this post!
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Thank you so much, Lynz, that’s lovely to hear xx
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an amazing post!!! colorful full of yummy spices love!XX
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🙂 xx
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Loved reading it Elaine! A great post!
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Thank you 🙂 I know it’s basic compared to your spice knowledge and usage but for someone it might be a good starting point to bring them into this magical world 🙂
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Not at all Elaine!
I have learnt so much from you about middle eastern food culture and spice mixes..
And you are right, it’s always will be beneficial to somebody out there. Tag it with more search words.
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I think I’ve used up all my tags…what would you suggest?
And thank you 😘😘
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I totally agree with you Elaine. The addition of spices bring always an extra to any dishes and yours are so colorful! 🙂 xx
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Thank you so much Linda 🙂 hope you’re having a good weekend xx
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“Just a teaspoon of the right spice can take a dish from bland to grand!” I love it!!! 🙂
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Thank you x x x x
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Thanks for sharing all your ideas and spices to use with different veggies. I also love to use my fresh herbs – nothing can make a dish a 10 or a 1 depending on what seasonings you add. Happy FF!
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I completely agree 🙂 thank you so much xx
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I can not think of my food without spices! that was an amazing post! I would love to try some middle eastern spices 🙂
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Thank you so much 🙂 you’ll have to try some!
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Those carrots are gorgeous! I just love spices too, and use them in everything. Marinades and rubs with spices really add flavor. Great post Elaine. There are some cuisines that I’m not well versed in so this post was perfect for me!
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Thank you so much Julie, I’m glad you like it 🙂
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Great post ,I like spices and can learn some new thing s here ,Thank you 🙂
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My pleasure 🙂 thank you for reading and commenting
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Very inspiring Elaine! I sort of take that approach when I make vegan stir fries. For instance, a curried one may start with turmeric, coriander, ginger, and cumin, then I’ll try adding something else like cardamom or cinnamon to see how it tastes. The possibilities are endless.
I haven’t tried using Middle Eastern spices very much in my food yet. I know I’ve been missing out.
Great photos!
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Thank you so much, Gerard 🙂 the possibilities really are endless aren’t they? It’s fab!!!
If you do try some ME spices let me know what you think – if you lived here I’d send you some 🙂
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Love your brilliant ideas Elaine! That picture of the whole spices is beautiful! I think my favorite dish is the one with aubergines 🙂
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Yay! LOVE aubergines!!! Thank you xx
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I love using different spices in my cooking. I used to always add the individual spices rather than use spice mixes but these days I use both. If I’m in a hurry and just want to make something tasty I’ll add a ready-made spice blend but if I’m trying to create a particular taste I add the individual spices. I think ready-made spice blends have got much better over the last few years but I agree that some are too salty.
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Thank you Corina 🙂 I agree, I like building up and dish and the flavour with individual spices, and I enjoy making my own mixes, but shop bought can be useful, especially if you find a good make 🙂
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Spices are the spice of life!!!! For sure these aromatics are not only the muse of creativity but essential to building flavor(s). Elaine I love how you break it down. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices that are out there. I haven’t yet checked out your link to buying the spices but I love the idea of buying just a bit at a time.
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Thank you so much, Emilie, I’m so glad you like the post and agree 🙂
The Spice Kitchen UK products are really nice and it’s a lovely family business x
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You are the the spice queen! You’ve taught us all so much! XOXO
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Thank you x x x x
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Pingback: Pimp Your Veg part 3: crispy crunchy oven baked vegetables | foodbod
The images of your spices are so pretty, Elaine!!
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Thank you, I tried so hard to get some good shots of my jars!!!
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I have certainly been using more spices since meeting you and it has really made a difference especially for the kids who were never big veggie fans, nowadays they will pick veggies over salad any day and I’m sure it’s because of you and your inspiring creations. xxx
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That’s amazing!!! I’m so pleased, that makes me very happy xxxxx
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