Are you planning to expand your menu? Here are the basic herbs, sauces and spices that every home should have.
1. Basil is used for pasta, sandwiches and pestos.
2. Bay Leaves are perfect additions for stews, soups and marinades.
3. Cayenne Pepper is used in Indian recipes and hot sauces. These are made from spicy red peppers.
4. Chili Powder is a mix of cumin, oregano, dried chilies and coriander. They are used for Mexican dishes.
5. Cilantro is used in Latin, Caribbean and some Asian dishes.
6. Coconut Milk is used for different types of curry or as a marinade and soup flavoring.
7. Cumin is used for Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. It is made from ground seeds.
8. Curry Powder is a mix of several spices numbering up to twenty. The basic spices are cumin, coriander and turmeric.
9. Dill is used for pickling because of its pungent flavor. It’s also excellent with fish.
10. Fenugreek is used in Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. It tastes like burnt sugar when cooked.
11. Fish Sauce is used in a lot of Asian dishes especially as a dip, sauce or dressing.
12. Ginger is used for soups, marinades, sauces and a lot more. It is also considered medicinal.
13. Kaffir Lime Leaves are common in Thai food and different types of curry. They are sold frozen, fresh or dry.
14. Marjoram is used in vinaigrette, marinades and sauces. It has a floral scent and taste.
15. Mint is used for a variety of dishes including desserts. It even goes well with chocolate.
16. Oregano is used in Mediterranean and South American food. They are usually sold dried.
17. Oyster Sauce has a sweet and savory flavor. It is used as a marinade or a combined with stir-fried vegetables.
18. Paprika has two varieties, hot and sweet. They are made from sweet red pepper pods and are used as seasoning and garnish.
19. Parsley is known for its light flavor and is common in Italian dishes.
20. Rosemary is popular in Mediterranean food. Dried rosemary is an essential in your collection.
21. Sage is common in Italian dishes and has a pine-like aroma and taste.
22. Soy Sauce is used as a seasoning, dressing or dip. The tamari is similar to soy sauce but it’s gluten-free.
23. Thyme is used in Cajun, Creole and Mediterranean dishes. It’s prized for its fragrance.
Where do you get your herbs, sauces and spices?
These are the best places in Singapore you need to check out if you want to stock up on herbs, sauces and spices.
1. Seah’s Spices at 1B Senoko Crescent, Senoko Food Connection.
2. Tai Eng Pte Ltd at 27 Hongkong Street.
3. Raj Provisions (Main Store) at 168, Punggol Field, B1-11/12/13/14, Punggol Plaza.
4. Herbs Garden at #01-74 Roxy Square, 50 East Coast Road.
5. Herbal Sense (Retail and Showroom) at 100 Lorong 23 Geylang, Off Sims Lane, #01-012 D’Centennial Building.
6. Selvi Mills at 189 Pandan Loop.
7. Beifang Herbs Supplier Pte Ltd at 1 Upper Aljunied Link, #07-02 Joo Seng Warehouse.