Davide Punto Cucina: Correct Use of Spices

The spices are a must in every recipe.

Spices look like simple ingredients, but with them lays the secret to enhance the flavor of all your dishes. So, learn how to use them properly, and become the star of your family on every reunion. Think of this as if you were an artist and the spices were your paint: they can transform your dish into a masterpiece.

There is nothing worse than a bland and flavorless meal, but spices allow you to be creative and adventurous while practicing your cooking abilities. However there are some recommendations to learn how to use them wisely and properly take advantage of their flavor; that way your dishes and meals will never receive another bad comment from friends and family.

Uses of spices

Add flavor and aroma: the spices can transform a dish or course meal to a whole new level; from a sweetness flavor to a heat spicy, they can completely change a dish. Also, they produce a variety of aromas that catch the attention of commensals because we eat first with our sight and smell.

Enhance the taste: salt is the base for every meal, we add it and then keep the level of it in food, but there are other seasonings that increase that flavor. Try cummin, for example, or paprika.

Change or increase the color: as we mentioned, the food must be an experience where you use all your senses, and sight is one of the most important because your brain will process the food in front of you as tasty or gross. That way spices can help food by giving it another look; for example, Indian cuisine is very colorful thanks to the seasonings they use.

Never be afraid to use them in your cooking process. Play and experiment with them, you never know how tasteful a meal could be. But now, a list of tips to learn how to use them correctly.

Be friend with spices!

Plan your meals: if you are going to use fresh herbs and spices, try to use them in several meals during the week.

Store your spices and herbs well: if your herbs and spices are fresh, store them in damp paper towels or in plastic bags; if they are dry, out of the fridge and in places without heat. If you want a touch of design in your kitchen, buy some pretty pots and decorate.

Keep your spices in sight: if you don’t see them, you won’t use them; so try to put them in a place that you always look when cooking.

Find herbs and spices sold in farmers markets: these places are IN nowadays, so go there and find the best seasonings out there. Maybe you will even find sales and discounts.

Make your own spices mixes: you could try to combine different spices to create new flavors, those mixes will become your grand secret at the kitchen.

Check ethnic food aisles or stores in town: Indian, Mexican, Italian or Asian cuisines use their spices or mixes, so try to visit them and find out new flavors and recipes.

Substitute spices or herbs: if you don’t know the spice the recipe is asking, or if you run out of one, replace it for another that you truly know. Be creative and bold, but always taste the food.

So now you know, spices and herbs are not so strange, you only need to be smart and creative while cooking. They could be your secret and best friends inside the kitchen and will give you popularity among friends and family. Come to Davide Punto Cucina and experience the unique combination of spices and herbs from Europe and the Caribbean Sea.