Spice It Up!
Is everyone’s spice cabinet in shambles or is that just me? I recently spent time organizing my spices to make it easier for me to find them when cooking, and in doing so I found lots of great options that I didn’t even know I had. It encouraged me to look for recipes specifically with a certain spice so I could clear out some of the spice cabinet clutter!
Check out the recipes I made and learn about the flavor profile of a few spices along the way.
MEAL ONE:
Butter
Chicken
This recipe is inspired by traditional butter chicken which is a popular Indian dish. This simplified version keeps the flavor profile high by using a combination of spices, like ginger, garam masala, paprika, and cumin. They use fresh ginger in the recipe, but I’ve also subbed for ginger powder! Ginger has a slightly peppery, sweet, and spicy aroma. Cumin has a smoky, earthy taste. Garam masala is a spice blend, which provides a hint of sweetness and warmth. Even though it takes only 20 minutes to cook, this dish is packed full of creaminess and flavor! I used almond milk in place of the heavy cream, but yogurt or low-fat milk also works well. I would also recommend adding a vegetable, like spinach or broccoli, to boost nutrients.
MEAL TWO:
Apple Spice
Pork Chops
You may not think of using cinnamon or nutmeg in a savory dish, but they work well in this one! Both cinnamon and nutmeg have a sweet, woody, and nutty flavor but cinnamon has a hint of spice. They complement each other well when used together in a recipe. Paired with the sweetness of apples and the savory, buttery sauce this recipe tastes like a fall festival in your mouth! It’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table this week. Pair this with mashed cauliflower, potatoes, or sweet potatoes, and add a green like broccoli or green beans.
MEAL THREE:
Chai Spiced Banana Bread
I know this isn’t a dinner recipe, but it was too good to not share! Chai spices are a delicious, warm blend of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice which brings a sweet and mildly spicy flavor. It will leave your house smelling delicious and everyone’s bellies feeling satisfied! You could pair this with eggs for breakfast or have it as a snack with peanut butter on top.
MEAL FOUR:
Blackened
Tilapia
Not only can this recipe be made in about 15 minutes, but it’s another flavor-packed dish! The Cajun-style spice blend in this recipe will give it a hint of heat but not overpowering when it’s balanced out with the other spices. Oregano has a subtly sweet and earthy flavor with a hint of mint and paprika has a mild, sweet, and peppery taste. You could make tacos or pair it with your favorite complex carb and green vegetable to make it a well-rounded meal!
MEAL FIVE:
American
Goulash
This is a classic cozy dish that can be prepared in about 30 minutes! While a simple beef and pasta dish, it is given a boost by the combination of spices. Oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary provide an earthy, woodsy, and nutty flavor. Bay leaves are commonly added to soups and stews and add a sweet, mild flavor that helps to enhance the other flavors in a dish. It’s not edible, though, so make sure you remove it before serving! I would pair this dish with a fresh green salad on the side.