Fennel is a perennial flowering plant that is related to parsley. While the root and stalk can be cooked as vegetables, the seeds are a popular spice. Throughout history, fennel seeds have been used in various dishes as well as to freshen the breath after a meal. They are traditionally …
Oregano is the herb everyone thinks of when making pizza sauce or pasta sauce. It is a common ingredient in many Greek recipes as well. In short, its zesty bite and slight peppery edge make it a versatile addition to a large number of savory dishes. This is one of …
Saffron is the stigma (or stamen) of the high-maintenance crocus flower. It is widely used in a range of savory dishes that include paellas, risottos, and pilafs. Saffron is prized among serious cooks, not just because of its unique flavor but also because of how expensive it is. Saffron is …
Coriander is from the parsley family. The seeds of the plant are ground to make the coriander spice while the leaves and stems are called cilantro. If you are preparing a dish and find that you have no coriander, you have two options: you can either run to the grocery store, …
Thyme is a popular and very aromatic herb grown in Europe and is related to mint. There are numerous different varieties of thyme. It provides a sweet and earthy flavor to many dishes, and is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. As it is a well-known and widely used herb, most …
Cumin is a spice that is heavily used in Mexican cooking as well as in Indian, African, and Malaysian dishes. It provides an earthy flavor with nut and citrus notes that is described by some as being slightly bitter. It is one of the most important ingredients in curry powder …
A lack of nutmeg should not keep you from making a recipe that calls for it. Most ingredients in cooking are replaceable if you are willing to research the substitutes and learn how to use them correctly. Nutmeg may seem like a difficult flavor to replace, but it can be …
Vinegar is an easy way to add a tart note to many foods and is essential for marinades, salad dressings, and pickles. On the other hand, too much vinegar (whether balsamic vinegar or another type) can make a dish unpleasant to eat. If you have added more vinegar than a …