No kitchen is complete without a well-stocked spice rack. From zingy chilli flakes and aromatic cinnamon to warming garam masala and zesty coriander, spices are the secret to transforming everyday dishes into extraordinary ones. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these ten essential spices deserve a permanent spot in your spice rack.
1. Curry powder
Curry powder, whether you mix it yourself or buy some Rajah from the supermarket, is a must-have for your spice rack. Not only is it packed with warm and vibrant flavours, but it can also be used across many cuisines, from Indian and Vietnamese to German and South African. And if you’re not sure what you’re going to cook tonight, or how to make your dish pop, all you have to do is sprinkle over some curry powder.
Try our Cape Malay chicken curry
2. Cinnamon
An ultimate must-have for South African kitchens, you can’t not have a bottle of cinnamon in your spice rack. Not only does it add the perfect finishing touches to a freshly-made milk tart, but has so many other uses in the kitchen. From sweet to savoury, cinnamon knows no bounds. Sprinkle it over some yoghurt and berries for a quick and easy dessert, or over your morning oats. Take it a step further and use it in meat rubs, stews, and curries for a more complex and warm flavour profile.
Try our Roasted pork shoulder with cinnamon apples
3. Garam masala
This ground spice blend, made up of cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, mace, bay leaves, and star anise, brings warmth without the heat we get from curry powder. Not to mention its versatility in dishes: use it in a yoghurt marinade, to bring warmth and sweet spicy aromas to stews and curries, sprinkle over slap chips or popcorn for a tasty snack. The list goes on and on.
Try our Sustainable Kabeljou with guava achar, spring salad and ciabatta toasts recipe
4. Cardamom
Whether you like keeping it whole or buy it ground, cardamom is also extremely versatile in the kitchen. From brewing your own chai tea to making Swedish meatballs, cardamom has a spot in almost every cuisine. This aromatic spice from the ginger family has a complex sweet and spicy flavour, with hints of citrus, mint, and camphor.
Try our Swedish cardamom sweet knotted buns
5. Chilli flakes
Usually made with cayenne or bird’s eye chillies, chilli flakes help bring warmth and that extra kick that many dishes need. Make your dishes pop by sprinkling a pinch (or more if you love the heat) over sauteéing onions, your next stir-fry, or over your morning avo on toast (don’t forget the fried egg!). When heated, especially in some fruity olive oil, chilli flakes release a sweet, peppery, and fruity flavour that adds dimension to any dish.
Try our Roasted carrots with chilli and cumin yoghurt dressing
6. Mixed herbs
Instead of having to stock a whole bunch of herbs, why not take a tasty shortcut and stock a bottle of mixed herbs? It hits all the notes: sweet, earthy, and citrusy. Usually made up of dried sage, parsley, thyme, rosemary and oregano, mixed herbs can be used in almost anything savoury. From salad dressings, meat rubs, stews, pasta sauces, roasts and curries, a spice rack without mixed herbs is a spice rack that is lacking.
Try our Slow-cooker chicken with white wine and herbs
7. Paprika
Paprika, made from dried and finely ground sweet peppers, is a spice rack must-have. It’s sweet and mellow, providing that familiar fruity, sweet flavour we love from chillies but without the heat. Paprika is popular in Hungary, Turkey, North Africa and Morocco. Use it in rubs and marinades, to make goulash and in tagines.
Try our Beef and mushroom goulash
8. Cumin
Whether you like them whole or ground, cumin is definitely a South African spice rack staple. It pairs beautifully with roasted carrots, pork and chicken, and brings earthy, warm flavours to stews and curries. Not only is it a flavourful spice, it’s also used to aid digestion, support metabolism and immunity, and reduce cholesterol.
Try our Cumin-crusted pork fillet with aubergine and tomato curry
9. Coriander
How can you not? Imagine a world without the magic coriander brings in biltong and boerewors. Or it’s leaves used to bring a vibrant and citrusy flavour to salads, curries, and tacos. Coriander pairs well with almost every protein and veg, making it an extremely valuable addition to any spice rack.
Try our Coriander and lime chicken empanadas
10. Bay leaves
Lately trending across social media for its magical and mystifying abilities, bay leaves are a must. Used in many cuisines from French to Indian, bay leaves are an aromatic herb that adds that something special to any dish. They can be used fresh or dried, in soups, stocks, béchamel, marinades, and many spice blends. They bring earthy, warm, and savoury flavours to a dish.
Try our Hasselback butternuts with bay leaves, cinnamon and sage
A well-balanced spice rack is like a painter’s palette; each spice adds colour, depth and personality to a dish. With these ten essentials, you’ll be ready to whip up flavour-packed dishes inspired by cuisines around the world, all from the comfort of your own kitchen!
