When you think of culinary spices, what immediately comes to mind? You probably think of common ingredients such as garlic, black pepper, and oregano, but it’s easy to forget that there is a whole world of spices out there to bring life to your dishes in the kitchen.
Here is a collection of underutilized culinary spices that don’t get enough love, but that can turn your food from drab to fabulous.
Paprika
If you aren’t Spanish, Hungarian, or Portuguese, chances are that you don’t often use paprika. The reality, however, is that paprika is a fantastically fragrant and flavorful spice that can be used in barbecue rubs and to add a dash of flavor to fish and meat. Smoked, mild, and hot paprika all have their own uses and can brighten up all kinds of dishes.
Tarragon
Oui, oui, pass me the tarragon! Popular in French cooking, this delicate herb packs a punch. Don’t use too much when you’re cooking, but if you know how to moderate its use, you’ll find that tarragon adds a wonderful bittersweet component to tomato and vinegar sauces as well as oven-baked fish.
Cumin
A favorite in Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern cooking, cumin adds a savory, smoky flavor to dishes in small doses. If you like to add a little bit of spice and excitement to your dishes but you aren’t a big fan of spiciness, cumin is a great compromise.
