Spice Up Your Life: My Favorite Spices and How to Use Them

A rustic collection of spice jars neatly arranged on a wooden shelf, showcasing a variety of colorful and aromatic spices.

Spices are the heartbeat of any kitchen. They add depth, warmth, and complexity to dishes, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Over the years, I've built a deep love for certain spices - each one bringing its own magic to my cooking. Here's a breakdown of my favorites, why they're essential, and the dishes they shine in.

1.) Granulated Garlic - The Kitchen Essential

Garlic is life. If a recipe calls for two cloves, you use ten. Granulated garlic has a more intense, slightly sweet flavor than fresh garlic and blends seamlessly into rubs, soups, and sauces.

✨Best In: marinades, dry rubs, refried beans, salad dressings, pasta sauces, and roasted veggies

2.) Dried Oregano - Earthy & Fragrant

This herb brings a bold, slightly bitter, and earthy taste that makes Mediterranean and Latin dishes sing. Just like Frank Red Hot, I put that $h!+ on everything.

✨Best In: marinades, dry rubs, refried beans, salad dressings, pasta sauces, and roasted veggies

A vibrant assortment of spices and seeds, including turmeric, cocoa, pine nuts, almonds, chia, and flax seeds, neatly organized in bowls.

3.) Cardamon (Ground and Whole) - Sweet & Citrusy

Whole cardamon pods infuse teas and stews with deep citrusy warmth, while ground cardamom adds an aromatic punch to both sweet and savory dishes.

✨Best In: Bean pasta, teas, and spiced rice dishes

4.) Allspice (Ground) - Warm & Bold

A single spice that tastes like a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg - perfect for both savory and sweet dishes.

✨Best In: Jamaican jerk seasoning, salad dressings, BBQ sauces, spiced cakes, and braised meats

5.) Coriander (Ground & Whole) - Citrusy & Nutty

Whole coriander seeds add a burst of floral, citrus flavor, while ground coriander blends smoothly into spice mixes and sauces.

✨Best In: Indian curries, dry rubs, Mexican chile paste, roasted veggies, and Middle Eastern dishes

6.) New Mexico Chile Pepper (Ground) - Smoky Heat

A mild, smoky chile powder that brings deep red color and earthy warmth without overwhelming spice.

✨Best In: Elote, enchiladas, dry rubs

7.) Paprika (Sweet & Smoked) - Rich & Vibrant

Whether sweet or smoked, paprika adds a bright red hue and subtle peppery depth.

✨Best In: Elote, roasted veggies, dry rubs, marinades

8.) El Ras (Ras el Hanout) - Moroccan Magic

A rich, floral, and slightly spicy blend that adds warmth and depth to slow cooked dishes. El Ras is also a great quick dry rub for poultry.

✨Best In: Moroccan tagines, couscous, roasted chicken, and spiced lentils

9.) Za'atar - Tangy & Nutty

This Middle Eastern blend of dried herbs, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt adds brightness and crunch.

✨Best In: Flatbreads, hummus, roasted veggies, creamy pasta dishes, and roasted chicken

10.) Seven Spice - Lebanese Essential

A mix of cinnamon, black pepper, all spice, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, and cardamom that brings warmth to dishes.

✨Best In: Kofta, shawarma, spiced rice dishes, and slow-cookd stews

11.) Chicken Bouillon Powder

A savory plate of Mexican red rice, enriched with the flavor of chicken bouillon, ready to delight your taste buds.

A little sprinkle enhancs, broths, sauces, and rice dishes, adding savory and salty depth in seconds.

✨Best In: Mexican red rice, soups, rice pilafs, salsas, ramen, and stir-fries

12.) Sumac - Bright and Tangy

This deep red spice has a tart, lemony taste that brightens up meats and salads.

✨Best In: Fattoush salad, grilled meats, hummus, bean salad, and yogurt dressings

13.) Korean Chile Flakes (Gochugaru) - Smoky & Medium Heat

These flakes give a prominent distinctive heat with fruity depth, essential to Korean cuisine.

✨Best In: Kimchi, cucumber salad, Korean BBQ marinades, spicy noodles, and stir-fries

14.) Sesame Seeds (Toasted & Raw) - Crunchy & Nutty

Toasted sesame seeds add a rich, deep nuttiness, while raw sesame seeds provide mild crunch.

✨Best In: Sushi, tahini-based sauces, stir-fries, bugolgi, and bread toppings

15.) Dried Thyme - Subtle & Eartyhy

It's slightly minty, lemony taste adds depth without overpowering.

✨Best In: Roasted meats, stews, soups, homemade stuffing, and Mexican chile pastes

16.) Dried Rosemary - Piney & Aromatic

A strong herb that pairs beautifully with roasted dishes, adding bold, woodsy notes.

✨Best In: Lamb, roasted potatoes, roasted veggies, focaccia, and infused oils

17.) Maklouba Mix - Palestinian Comfort

A beautiful blend of warm spices used in the iconic layered rice dish Maklouba. It makes a great quick dry rub for beef and chicken.

✨Best In: Maklouba, spiced rice, and roasted meats

A perfectly roasted shawarma cone infused with aromatic spices, ready to be sliced and served, bringing tantalizing flavors to life.

18.) Shawarma Seasoning - Bold & Smoky

A deeply spiced blend with cumin, coriander, paprika, and warming spics, perfect for Middle Eastern-style meats.

✨Best In: Chicken or beef shawarma, grilled kebabs, and roasted veggies

19.) Garam Masala - Indian Heat and Depth

A warm, slightly sweet, and savory spice blend that is a staple in tons of Indian dishes.

✨Best In: curries, lentil soups, butter chicken, and roasted cauliflower

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Final Thoughts

Spices are more than just ingredients - they're the soul of every dish. Whether you're adding smoky depth with paprika, bright acidity with sumac, or a hint of citrus with ground cardamon, the right blend of spices can elevate every meal. These are the ones I can't live without, and I hope they inspire you to explore new flavors in your own kitchen.

What are you favorite spices? Let's talk in the comments! 👇🏽✨