Tamarind gives food a fruity, tart flavor with a hint of sweetness. It is most commonly sold as a paste or as a syrup. In either case, it is essential for giving Southeastern Asian dishes an authentic depth of flavor. It can be hard to find this spice if you …
Carrageenan is common as a food additive in commercially processed food where it is used as a gelling agent and to improve mouthfeel. It is not a common ingredient for home cooks, but it is available from various retailers. If you need a product with carrageenan’s properties but don’t want …
White peppercorns do not get used a lot in American cooking, except as a seasoning for light-colored dishes. White peppercorns are also used in a lot of French cuisine for their ability to disappear in creamy white sauces and cream-based soups, but they are also a good option when you …
Celtic sea salt is one of the more flavorful options if you want a fancy sea salt from Brittany, France. Another name for it is sel gris, which means “gray salt.” Celtic sea salt has its gray color because of the minerals from the clay that lines Brittany’s salt pans. …
Considered sacred in India, holy basil (a.k.a. holy tulsi) is used heavily in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. It offers an intense aroma that is like that of cloves, along with a mild peppery bite and subtle licorice notes. The herb is best known for its use in drunken stir-fry dishes …
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and is a staple of French cooking. English lavender is the variety most commonly used as a culinary herb. Its floral sweetness and citrus notes can complement a wide range of foods, ranging from roasted chicken to ice cream. While popular in many …
Poppy seeds are visually striking and can offer a nutty flavor along with a crunchy texture to enhance all sorts of dishes, from curries and stir-fries to lemon poppy seed muffins and bagels. They are especially common ingredient in both European and Indian recipes. If you are out of poppy …
Orris root is the rhizome of the iris flower and can be a valuable addition to your spice cabinet if you want to make a version of ras el hanout that contains it. Finding it in a hurry may be a problem since this spice is not widely used. The …