Adding Zest to Your Recipes

Spice Up Your Dinner

One way to "Spice Up" your dinner is to learn about a few choice herbs and spices. These are some of the most common that everyone should have in their kitchen cupboard.  On the first list of spices, I told you which spice went with what cuisine.  This time I'll show you which spice goes with what ingredients.  Some spices don't work well with one type of meat, but it will go very well with another.  This list is a start of an idea I have had in the back of my mind for many years.  I've always wanted to write a "Cookbook" that shows the reader how to put certain spices together with the right meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, etc.  After posting this list, I will offer a few recipes that will use some of these herbs and spices.  I hope you enjoy them.

Amah

Zesty Herbs and Spices

1)  Basil - Fish, Lamb, Ground Meats, Stews, Salads, Soups, Sauces, and Shrimp Cocktail.

2)  Chives - Salads, Sauces, Soups, Veal, Pork, Chicken, Turkey, and Vegetables.

3)  Garlic - (Not Garlic Salt) - Beef, Lamb, Veal, Pork, Chicken, Mushrooms, Fish, Soups, Salads,   Vegetables, Tomatoes, Beans, and Potatoes.

4)  Dill - Fish, Fish Sauces, Soups, Tomatoes, Cabbages, Carrots, Cauliflower, Green Beans,  Cucumbers, Potatoes, Salads, Macaroni, Beef, Lamb, and Chicken.

5)  Curry Powder - Lamb, Veal, Chicken, Fish, Tomatoes, Tomato Soup, and Mayonnaise.

6)  Oregano - Mediterranean Dishes, Stews, Ground Meats, Tomato-Based Sauces, Lamb, Artichokes, and Potatoes.

7)  Cumin - Lamb, Chilis, Stews, Pork, Beef, Lentils, Rice, and Couscous.

8)  Rosemary - Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Ground Meats, Mushrooms, Sauces, Stuffing, Peas, Potatoes, and Lima Beans.

9)  Sage - Veal, Pork, Chicken, Turkey, Biscuits, Green Beans, Stews, Fish, Lima Beans, Tomatoes, and Onions.

10)  Onion Powder - (Not Onion Salt) - Beef, Pork, Veal, Chicken, Turkey, Stews, Vegetables, Soups, and Salads.

11)  Paprika - Beef, Veal, Fish, Pork, Salads, Soups, Sauces, and Vegetables.

12)  Thyme - Pork, Veal, Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Mushrooms, Sauces, Soups, Onions, Peas, Salads, and Tomatoes.

13)  Tarragon - Pasta Salads, Tomatoes, Ham, and Brocolli.

14)  Savory - Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb and Salads.

Next time, I will post combinations of spices that work really well together.  You will find that it will be cheaper to put together your own mixes, than to buy them.  The prices have gone up dramaticly over the years.  Small jars of "Chinese Five Spice" cost about $5.00.  You can make your own for much less and you can adjust the amounts to your tastes.  

Please enjoy !!!!

Amah