Spice Up Your Life—And Your Food!

Spice Up Your Life—And Your Food!

Photo: [LINK]

 

The best kitchens are the ones stocked full of herbs and spices. Beyond mere flavor enhancers, they are the alchemists of taste, imbuing dishes with depth, complexity, and character. Having a well-stocked arsenal of herbs and spices in your kitchen isn't just a matter of culinary preference; it's a culinary necessity.

These miracle workers of taste transform ordinary dishes to extraordinary experiences and for June 10’s Herbs and Spices Day, we’re exploring the herbs and spices essential list and look at some recipes that make these often underrated unsung heroes stand out as they deserve to be!

 

Serve with Herbs!

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Basil – a member of the mint family, this glossy and deep green herb comes in many varieties [1], which makes it top of the essential herb list as far as usefulness is concerned.

  • Why cook with Basil? Aside from its rich flavour and many different uses, the basil is also prized for its health benefits, as it is rich in vitamins A and K and contains essential antioxidants.
  • Best paired with: Due to its versatility, basil can be paired with a wide range of dishes from soups, sauces, pasta, stir fries, marinades and even dressings! It is also one of the main ingredients that make pesto pasta so delicious!

 

Bay leaf – native to Asia, the bay leaf is beloved in many dishes from Turkey all the way to Indonesia. As if that’s not enough, it’s also a star of many shows (or rather, dishes) over in Europe, where it is a staple in countries like France and Italy. [2]

Photo: [LINK]

 

  • Why cook with bay leaf? Truthfully, the mystical flavour of bay leaf may sometimes be hard to place, but if you want a soup or stock you are cooking to develop beautifully into an unforgettable dish, throw in some bay leaf in there.
  • Best paired with: Typically used dried, the bay leaf is best added in stews, soups and sauces to infuse them with a deep, herbaceous flavour! [3]

 

Cilantro – also known as coriander, this citrusy, bright green herb is commonly used fresh and as garnish at the end of cooking. It’s a beloved herb native to Western Asia and parts of Europe. [4]

  • Why cook with cilantro? Cilantro easily elevates the flavour of any dish with its tartness and aromatic effects.
  • Best paired with: Since cilantro usually comes ground, it adds a much-needed aromatic layer to dishes such as curry, breads, or other vegetable-based dishes. It’s the citrusy taste of it that adds a beautiful dimension to these meals!

 

Vietnamese Shrimp and Vegetable Spring Rolls [5]

 Photo: [LINK]

 

INGREDIENTS

For the filling:

  • 8 jumbo shrimp cooked , peeled, deveined and cooled
  • 3-4 ounces rice vermicelli soaked in hot water according to package directions
  • 1 avocado thinly sliced
  • 1/2 english cucumber peeled and thinly julienned
  • 1/2 carrots peeled and thinly julienned
  • 2 fresh scallions thinly sliced
  • 8 lettuce leaves hearts of romaine or other crunchy lettuce is preferable handful mint, basil or cilantro if desired
  • 8 spring roll wrappers

 

For the peanut dipping sauce:

  • 1 cup Borges Extra Light Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 inch piece peeled fresh ginger
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter smooth (natural does not work as well)
  • 1-2 tbsp lime juice

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

For the peanut sauce:

  • Put all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Thin with warm water if desired. This recipe will make more peanut sauce than you need, so store in a clean jar in the refrigerator for another use.

 

For the rolls:

  • Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into warm water in a pie plate for 10 seconds to wet it and make pliable. Lay the wrapper down on a clean work surface (wooden cutting board works great here) and smooth it out with your damp hand.
  • Take a leaf of lettuce and tear it into large 5-inch pieces and place it along the bottom half of the wrapper (see image) Place some rice noodles on top of the lettuce followed by a couple thin slices of avocado. Place a few carrots and cucumbers beside the lettuce, 2 pieces of scallion (or more) and then your shrimp sliced in half across the middle, pink side down. If desired, add some mint, basil or cilantro.
  • To roll, gently fold over the left and right sides of the rice paper wrapper over the filling. Then fold the bottom part of the wrapper over the filling and gently but tightly roll up the spring roll, burrito style. Repeat steps 1 to 3.
  • Chill until ready to use. Serve with peanut sauce or another favorite dipping sauce.

 

 

 

Spice Up some Dishes!

 

Black pepper – where would we be without black pepper? Pungent, aromatic and packing heat, the black pepper adds the necessary kick we want in our dishes!

  • Why cook with black pepper? Black pepper brings a layer of depth and complexity to any dish, with its slightly spicy taste awakening the senses and enriching the dining experience.
  • Best paired with: Black peppers are usually paired with steaks, eggs, tomatoes, cheeses, soups, stews, veggies or just about any meal you can think of! It’s truly the most versatile spice!

Ginger – just like black pepper, ginger easily wins points for being extremely versatile. Enjoy its strong flavour in soups as much you’d like but don’t forget that these can even be used in baked goods!  

Photo: [LINK]

 

  • Why cook with ginger? Ginger is a necessary ingredient in your kitchen solely based on the fact that it’s versatile enough to be added to both food and drink! [6] Make use of their strong, slightly spicy flavour if you want, or add them to your tea and even your bread if need be!
  • Best paired with: Ginger’s distinct flavour profile makes it a favourite alongside other condiments such as garlic, soy sauce, chili, sesame oil, honey, coconut milk, and many others! The only limit is your imagination!

 

Chili powder – rich in capsaicin, chili power boasts potential health benefits, such as metabolism boost and pain relief, when consumed in moderation.

  • Why cook with chili powder? Cooking with chili powder adds layers of flavor and complexity to dishes. Its blend of dried chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and other spices creates a savory and spicy profile that can elevate a wide range of recipes!
  • Best paired with: Make any meat, soup, stew, a dish of roasted vegetables and even snacks better than before when you add a dash of chili powder!

 

 

Chicken Fajitas [7]

 

Photo: [LINK]

 

INGREDIENTS

 

  • 1 jalapeño (seeds removed and diced into small pieces)
  • 2 Tbsp. Borges Sunflower and EVOO blended oil
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 clove garlic (chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 lime (large)
  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tsp. Borges Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 red bell pepper (large, thinly sliced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (large, thinly sliced)
  • 1 red onion (large, thinly sliced)
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • Tortillas
  • fresh cilantro
  • salsa
  • sour cream
  • guacamole

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the diced jalapeño, canola oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt and lime juice. Add the chicken, mix well, cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • Heat the grill pan lid over high heat until it is very hot. Place the chicken on the grill pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully lift the chicken with tongs and turn them. Cook for another 6 to 8 minutes on the other side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer.
  • While the chicken is cooking, heat the olive oil in the pot of the Cast Iron Cookware. Add the sliced peppers, onion, chili powder and salt. Sauté the peppers and onions for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden and have softened slightly. Remove the pan from the heat, slice chicken into strips and then add the chicken to the peppers. Serve immediately with warm tortillas, cilantro, salsa, sour cream and guacamole, as desired.

 

 

References:

[1] https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cooking-101-the-15-most-common-culinary-herbs-and-how-to-cook-with-them

[2]  https://www.foodandwine.com/seasonings/herbs/in-defense-of-bay-leafs

[3] https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cooking-101-the-15-most-common-culinary-herbs-and-how-to-cook-with-them

[4] https://www.outofmilk.com/ideas/spice-rack-grocery-list-template/

[5] https://monasterykitchen.org/ingredient/mint-basil-or-cilantro/

[6] https://www.outofmilk.com/ideas/spice-rack-grocery-list-template/

[7] https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Chicken-Fajitas-2098766

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