
Easy Veg

Spices, also known as masalas, are key to elevating the taste of our dishes while providing a range of health benefits. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, they support digestion and strengthen immunity. Adding a diverse selection of spices to your diet not only enhances flavor but also promotes overall well-being. From turmeric to cumin, these colorful ingredients are integral to both global culinary traditions and natural health remedies.
Spices and Masalas Used Around the World
India
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Garam Masala – A warm and aromatic blend of cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, and cloves, commonly used in Indian curries.
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Chaat Masala – A tangy and slightly spicy mix with dried mango powder, black salt, and cumin, often sprinkled on snacks and salads.
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Panch Phoron – A Bengali five-spice combination featuring fennel, mustard, fenugreek, cumin, and nigella seeds, typically used in tempering.
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Sambar Powder – A South Indian spice blend made with coriander, dried chilies, mustard seeds, and lentils, essential for lentil stews.
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Tandoori Masala – A rich and smoky spice mix including paprika, garlic, ginger, and garam masala, used for marinated tandoori dishes.
Middle East & North Africa
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Baharat – A fragrant spice blend from the Arab region with black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coriander, used in meat and rice dishes.
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Za’atar – A Middle Eastern seasoning made of dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt, commonly sprinkled on bread and salads.
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Ras el Hanout – A Moroccan spice mix that can contain over a dozen spices like cardamom, cloves, turmeric, and cinnamon.
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Dukkah – An Egyptian nut-and-spice blend featuring sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, and crushed nuts, often used as a dip or topping.
China & East Asia
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Chinese Five-Spice – A well-balanced mix of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, used in stir-fries and marinades.
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Shichimi Togarashi – A Japanese seven-spice blend with chili flakes, sesame seeds, dried orange peel, and nori, sprinkled over noodles and rice dishes.
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Gochugaru – Korean red chili flakes with a smoky-sweet flavor, a key ingredient in kimchi and stews.
Southeast Asia
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Rendang Spice Mix – A combination of lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and chili, used in Indonesian and Malaysian slow-cooked beef dishes.
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Thai Curry Pastes – Available in red, green, and yellow varieties, made with chili, lemongrass, garlic, and other fragrant spices.
Europe
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Herbes de Provence – A French herbal mix with thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sometimes lavender, used in Mediterranean cooking.
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Italian Seasoning – A classic blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, used in pasta sauces and pizzas.
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Pimentón – Spanish smoked paprika, available in sweet, bittersweet, and hot varieties, often used in paella and chorizo seasoning.
Latin America & The Caribbean
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Adobo Seasoning – A flavorful mix of garlic powder, oregano, cumin, and black pepper, commonly used in Mexican and Puerto Rican cuisine.
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Achiote Paste – A Mexican seasoning blend featuring annatto seeds, cumin, and cloves, used for marinating meats.
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Jerk Seasoning – A spicy Jamaican mix with allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and garlic, used for grilling meats.
United States
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Cajun Seasoning – A bold and spicy mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion, oregano, and black pepper, used in Louisiana-style cooking.
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Creole Seasoning – Similar to Cajun seasoning but with added herbs like thyme and basil, great for gumbo and jambalaya.
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Barbecue Rubs – A variety of spice blends featuring smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, mustard powder, and black pepper, ideal for grilling.
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Old Bay Seasoning – A famous seafood spice mix from Maryland, containing celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves.
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Pumpkin Spice – A sweet and warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice, popular in fall desserts and beverages.
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Chili Powder – A key ingredient in Tex-Mex cooking, made from ground dried chilies, cumin, garlic, and oregano.
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Ranch Seasoning – A tangy mix of dried buttermilk, garlic, onion, dill, and parsley, commonly used in dips and dressings.
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Montreal Steak Seasoning – A coarse blend of black pepper, salt, garlic, onion, coriander, and dill, ideal for seasoning steaks and meats.
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Everything Bagel Seasoning – A crunchy mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt, sprinkled on bagels, toast, and salads.
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Lemon Pepper – A zesty combination of dried lemon zest and black pepper, commonly used for seasoning chicken, seafood, and vegetables.