Herbs and spices are invaluable ingredients for herbs and spices for plant-based cooking. This ultimate guide covers the health benefits, flavor profiles, and pairing tips for over 25 different herbs and spices to elevate your vegan recipes.
Benefits of Herbs and Spices for Plant-Based Cooking
Cooking with herbs and spices offers many perks for those following a plant-based diet:
Add Flavor Without Fat or Calories
Herbs and spices allow you to add lots of flavor without extra oil, salt, sugar, or other high-calorie ingredients. This helps make plant-based eating delicious and satisfying when cooking with herbs and spices for plant-based cooking.
Boost Nutrition
Many herbs and spices contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other beneficial phytochemicals. Using them generously can enhance the nutritional value of your food.
Aid Digestion
Herbs like ginger, turmeric, and cumin have long been used to support healthy digestion. They can minimize bloating, gas, and upset stomach issues.
Substitute for Salt
Salt-free herb and spice blends can provide flavor in place of high-sodium seasonings. This reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Best Herbs and Spices for Plant-Based Cooking
Here are over 25 of the most versatile and beneficial herbs and spices for plant-based cooking:
Basil
Basil has a fresh, aromatic flavor perfect for pesto, sauces, and dressings. Pairs well with tomatoes, pasta, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Black Pepper
The sharp, spicy taste of black pepper balances other flavors. Use it in stir-fries, curries, marinades, and spice rubs.
Cardamom
Subtly sweet and citrusy, cardamom shines in baked goods, chairs, coffee, and curries. It aids digestion.
Cayenne Pepper
A little goes a long way with cayenne pepper. It brings heat to chili, tacos, soups and stir-fries. Boosts metabolism.
Chili Powder
This blend of spices like cumin, oregano, garlic, and chili peppers is perfect for tacos, beans, soups, and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Cilantro
The fresh, bright taste of cilantro brightens up salsas, curries, salads, tacos, and Asian noodle dishes.
Cinnamon
Warm and sweet cinnamon excels in baked goods, oatmeal, curries, and desserts. It helps regulate blood sugar.
Coriander
Coriander (cilantro seeds) have a warm, slightly citrusy flavor. Use in curries, lentils, chili, and stews.
Cumin
Earthy and nutty cumin is essential for Tex-Mex, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Boosts immunity.
Curry Powder
Curry powder contains spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin. Use in curries, stews, dressings, and veggie dishes.
Dill
Dill has a distinctive tangy flavor. Use it with vegetables, grains, fish, and sauces like tartar sauce.
Garlic Powder
For a punch of garlic flavor without the prep work, reach for garlic powder. Use it in marinades, dressings, and rubs.
Ginger
Spicy and energizing ginger shines in stir-fries, smoothies, teas, dressings, and baked goods. Soothes nausea.
Italian Seasoning
This blend usually contains basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Sprinkle it on pizzas, pasta, and roasted veggies.
Mint
Cool and refreshing mint brightens up both sweet and savory dishes like smoothies, salads, and Asian noodle recipes.
Nutmeg
Warm and slightly sweet, nutmeg works well in pancakes, curries, pies, and custards. Boosts cognition.
Oregano
Pungent and peppery oregano dominates Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine. Pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
Paprika
Mildly spicy paprika adds a touch of sweetness to stews, rice, vegetable dishes, and curries.
Parsley
Bright, grassy parsley freshens up grains, salads, pastas, and more. Rich in antioxidants.
Rosemary
Woodsy rosemary infuses roasted vegetables, grains, bean dishes, and savory baked goods with its pine-like aroma.
Saffron
Saffron adds a golden hue and honey-like flavor to rice dishes, soups, and stews. Antioxidant powerhouse.
Sage
Earthy, aromatic sage is the perfect complement for bean dishes, stuffing, pasta, and fall vegetable recipes.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika adds sweet smokiness. Use it in chilis, stews, roasted veggies, and vegan sausage recipes.
Thyme
Lemony thyme suits any savory dish – soups, stews, beans, grains, and roasted veggies. Antiseptic properties.
Turmeric
Peppery and slightly bitter turmeric are the star spice for curries. High in anti-inflammatory compounds.
Tips for Cooking with Herbs and Spices
Ready to start using more herbs and spices for plant-based cooking? Keep these tips in mind:
- Store dried herbs and spices properly in a cool, dark place to retain flavor and shelf life. Replace yearly.
- Play around with spice blends like chili powder, garam masala, de-provence herbs, etc. Or make your own.
- Chop fresh herbs right before using. Delicate leafy herbs like cilantro and parsley bruise easily.
- Toast whole spices briefly to enhance flavor. Common toasted spices include cumin, coriander, and fennel.
- Add hearty herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and garlic early when braising or simmering dishes.
- Add more delicate herbs like cilantro, basil, and tarragon at the end to preserve their flavor.
- Infuse spices in oil, non-dairy milk, or sauce to really amp up the flavor.
Let your creativity run wild by playing with flavor combinations using this ultimate guide to herbs and spices for plant-based cooking!
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