What Are Different Spices Best For

Ground spices last longer if they are stored in an airtight container.

The world hosts thousands of different spices, the popularity and availability of which vary according to culture. In modern American cuisine, there are a number of standard spices gathered from many different regions. When salt and pepper become boring, such spices as paprika and nutmeg add renewed interest to dishes when they are paired with complementary foods.

Allspice

Allspice is not what it sounds like. Rather than being a mixture of many different spices, allspice is a type of Jamaican pepper with a distinct and identifiable flavor. This is a mulling spice often used in holiday pies, cakes, cookies and tea. It can also be used to flavor pancake and waffle batter, French toast and other sweet breakfast dishes. It is traditionally used in Jamaica as a key ingredient in pork, chicken and children's dishes.

Chili Powder

Chili powder adds heat and spice to dishes. It is commonly used in southwestern cooking and is an important ingredient in chili, guacamole, salsa, tomato sauce, Spanish rice and cornbread. It can also be rubbed into chicken wings and hamburgers before grilling for a spicy flavor. Sometimes it is sprinkled over french fries or home-fried potatoes. In Indian cuisine, chilies and chili powder are key ingredients in curries and chutney.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is used in sweet dishes and often is mixed in a 50-to-50 ratio to create cinnamon sugar. Apple or pear dishes, such as pies, dumplings, crisps, applesauce and stewed apples, can be enhanced with cinnamon. This spice is also used as a garnish on French toast and oatmeal. In Sri Lanka and Mexico, cinnamon is sometimes brewed into a tea. It is also seen sprinkled on top of hot drinks, such as cider and cocoa.

Garlic

Garlic powder is a versatile spice that is used in most cultural cuisines, but its strong flavor is easily overused. Italian and Mediterranean pasta dishes, such as spaghetti, contain garlic. Garlic cloves can also be roasted with assorted root vegetables and squash to add flavor to relatively bland foods. Crushed or minced garlic complements the taste of soy sauce in homemade stir-fry. Most meats, including pork, chicken, beef and fish, are complemented by garlic.

Nutmeg

Like allspice and cinnamon, nutmeg is another popular spice for holiday baking. Cookies, cakes and pudding recipes can include nutmeg, as do most eggnog recipes. Some savory dishes, such as meatloaf and creamed chicken, benefit from the unexpected tastes of a holiday spice. Cheese, cheese-based sauces and souffles also pair well with nutmeg as do lamb dishes, including sausage and haggis.

Paprika

Paprika is a savory spice often seen sprinkled over deviled eggs. French fried potatoes are also sometimes made with paprika. The spice can be paired with whitefish dishes, such as grilled tilapia or broiled flounder. Mixing paprika with sour cream creates a tasty sauce for chicken or beef dishes. Paprika is also a common spice in Hungarian goulash and Spanish chorizo sausage.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice used when pickling cucumbers or making relish. Turmeric is sometimes baked into chicken or seafood casseroles. This spice is also added to mayonnaise, potato salad, macaroni salad and egg salad for taste and color. Turmeric is the spice that creates the color of yellow rice often seen in Spanish and Asian dishes. In Indian cuisine, turmeric is popular in fish curry, while in Morocco it is used to spice lamb dishes.

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