Spices: Expert Guides and Resources

Whether you’re building your first spice collection or you’re ready to explore some new-to-you global flavors, this Cheat Sheet helps you spice like a pro! Discover how to get started with spices, identify spice families, understand common food and spice pairings, know when to add spices and how to source them .

This traditional rendition of curry can be made several hours to a day ahead and reheated. Indian curries are often served with a variety of condiments, which each diner can use to garnish his or her food. The condiments include chutney, chopped onions mixed with chopped coriander, raisins, shredded coconut, and sliced banana.

If you're looking for an alternative to plain baked chicken, look no further. Scented with orange, this delightful recipe features soy, fresh ginger, and five-spice powder. Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Krezofen Yield: 4 servingsPreparation time: 15 minutes; 1 to 4 hours marinating timeCooking time: 45 to 50 minutesSpice meter: Mildly to moderately spiced 1/3 cup soy sauce 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil Juice and finely grated zest of one medium orange 2 tablespoons dry sherry 1 plump garlic clove, minced 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (optional) 2 scallions, white and green parts, sliced 3 to 3-1/2 pound chicken, cut up, or chicken parts In a shallow baking dish, combine all the ingredients except the chicken.

The spice mixture can be rubbed on the skin of the chicken or slipped under loosened skin. After the spices are added, roast the chicken to perfection. Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/NWphotoguy Yield: 4 to 6 servingsPreparation time: 20 minutes; 2 to 24 hours marinating timeCooking time: 1 to 1-1/4 hoursSpice meter: Mildly spiced 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice 2-1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1-1/2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons prepared mustard 1 tablespoon chopped chives or minced flat-leaf parsley 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced 2 plump cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional) 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 3 to 3-1/2 pound whole chicken In a bowl, combine all the ingredients except the chicken.

You can put this simple and straightforward dish together in a flash. Marinate the chicken while you’re preparing any side dishes. If you want, make a terrific sandwich by serving the cutlets on rolls. Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/monica-photo Yield: 4 to 6 servingsPreparation time: 10 minutes; 15 to 30 minutes marinating timeCooking time: 10 minutesSpice meter: Mildly to moderately spiced 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1-1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, black pepper, or cayenne 2-1/2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 4 to 6 boneless chicken breast halves, about 1-1/2 pounds In a shallow dish, combine all the ingredients except the chicken.

Some dishes benefit from a blend of both spices and herbs. The pleasing combination in this recipe gives baked chicken a deliciously sweet and fragrant flavor. Leftovers are superb cold. Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/mpessaris Yield: 6 servingsPreparation time: 25 minutes; 2 to 24 hours marinating timeCooking time: 45 to 50 minutesSpice meter: Moderately spiced to mildly hot 6 chicken breasts 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup honey 1-inch piece of orange or lemon zest, white pith removed 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger, about 3/4-inch piece 2 plump cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 teaspoon fresh minced oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried 1/2 bay leaf, crushed 24 black olives, preferably kalamata or Italian, pitted Fresh chopped parsley for garnish Rub the chicken breasts on both sides with 1-1/2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, then sprinkle with salt.

Barbecued chicken basted in a tomato-based barbecue sauce is a perennial favorite in the United States. Make sure you have extra sauce to serve on the side, and don't forget the napkins! Credit: ©David Bishop Yield: 4 servingsPreparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 30 to 40 minutesSpice meter: Moderately spiced 2-1/2 to 3 pounds chicken parts 1 cup Tangy Tomato Barbecue Sauce (recipe below), plus extra, about 1 cup for serving on the side Preheat the grill or broiler.

This refreshing salad can be made several hours ahead. Pickled Cucumber and Carrot Salad is great with grilled food, curries, satés, and even with burgers! Credit: iStockphoto.com/Taiftin Yield: 6 servingsPreparation time: 10 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling timeSpice meter: Moderately spiced to hot and spicy 1/3 cup white wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar 3 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 to 1 jalapeno or serrano, seeded and minced (optional) 1 English cucumber, seeded, peeled, and diced 1 medium carrot, coarsely grated 1 tablespoons fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, cumin, pepper, and jalapeno and stir to mix.