5 Must-Have Spices For Every Kitchen

In this post, I share my must-have spices for every cook! Even though my pantry is filled with jars of herbs and spices, I tend to use the same few repeatedly, and when it comes to keeping it simple, I think these five choices are most commonly used and are very versatile.

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If you’re a beginner cook or just looking to add some serious flavour to your meals without spending a fortune, I’ve got you covered. You might be surprised by my top picks, but these five spices are staples in my kitchen for a reason. They’re versatile, packed with flavour, and come with some great health benefits too.

Let me share my must-have spices and favourite ways to use them so you can see why they’re worth the hype.

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1. Cumin

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You probably have some cumin in your spice cabinet already. It’s as essential as good cracked black pepper, in my opinion. You can buy it whole as seeds (pictured above) or ground into powder. For the freshest, most explosive flavour, try grinding it yourself with a mortar and pestle.

Cumin is an aromatic spice with a distinct smell that infuses everything it touches. A little goes a long way, which is part of its charm and why I love it so much. Its warm, earthy notes include hints of lemon, eucalyptus, saffron, pine, caraway, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and curry.

Cumin is also incredibly healthy. It’s fantastic for regulating digestion (the word cumin in Sanskrit actually means “that which helps digestion”). It contains immune-boosting vitamin C and a bit of vitamin E, which is great for the skin.

I like this organic brand of cumin from Amazon, or you can find similar in your local stores.

How to Use Cumin

Thanks to its warmth, cumin pairs well with other warm spices. For great results, use cumin alongside oregano, thyme, parsley, lemon, and lime. Some of my favorite foods to use cumin with include red meat, fish, earthy root vegetables, eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and yogurt for a creamy, savory fix or sauce.

Cumin is used all over the world in countless cuisines. It’s a staple in dry rubs for meats and adds a boost of flavour to homemade pickles when you add whole seeds. Some of the most notable traditional recipes that include cumin as a key ingredient are spicy harissa sauce, Mexican dishes (try my naked burrito bowls), curries, dukkah seasoning blend, African tagine dishes, grilled lamb, and stews from the Middle East. You can even use it in a salad. Oh, and don’t forget taco seasoning!

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2. Paprika

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Next up on my list of must-have spices is paprika.

Paprika, including its smoked variety, is a staple in many spice cabinets. Derived from sun-dried or smoked red peppers, this vibrant spice adds a slightly sweet and smoky flavor to a wide range of dishes. Its rich red color is as tempting as its flavor! There are several types of paprika: sweet paprika is naturally sweeter, smoked paprika has a deeper smoky flavor, and spicy paprika provides that extra kick.

Smoked paprika, or pimento, is made by smoking peppers slowly over a fire rather than sun-drying, giving it a rich, smoky flavor and darker color. Spanish smoked paprika varies in heat: dulce is mild, agridulce is semi-hot, and picante is hot. Personally, I love all varieties, but you can achieve great culinary results with just mild paprika and smoked paprika.

Unless you’re avoiding nightshades due to an autoimmune dietary protocol or allergy, paprika is very healthy. It’s packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals and oxidative damage in the body. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, so pair your starches with a dash of paprika. Oh, and capsaicin—an active ingredient in spicy peppers and paprika—may be a powerful cancer fighter.

Paprika is a powerhouse in the spice world, offering flavor, color, and health benefits. Keep it handy, and you’ll be ready to enhance any dish with ease!

How to Use Paprika

Paprika pairs well with other warm spices like turmeric, cumin, chili, and coriander. It complements foods such as onions, chicken, lamb, pork, shellfish, eggplant, cauliflower, olive oil, and lemon. It also works wonderfully with herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme.

Popular dishes featuring paprika include Hungarian goulash and my favourite paprika chicken (check out this primal-friendly Instant Pot recipe), deviled eggs, Spanish paella, chorizo sausage, salami, Portuguese chicken, chili con carne, and I often add it to Bolognese sauce, and patatas bravas.

It’s also used in condiments and spice mixes like ajvar relish (red pepper, eggplant, garlic, chili), harissa, curry mixes, Mexican meat rubs, pork ribs and lamb rubs, barbecue and tomato sauces, and chutneys. Talk about versatile! Plus, it’s a fantastic addition to nightshade-heavy dishes like tomato soup or red pepper spread.

Get paprika here.

Try these paprika recipes: Spicy Paprika Lime Chicken and my Finger-licking Spicy Meatballs.

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3. Cinnamon

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When it comes to flavor and amazing aromas, not much beats freshly ground cinnamon. It’s a spice I’ve come to adore not only in desserts but in savory dishes as well. The warmth of cinnamon helps to round out other aromatic spices and herbs, making it a perfect addition to starches, root veggies, and various cuisines. I love adding a dash to stews, meats, and mashes for a unique flavor explosion. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Using Cinnamon

What I really love about cinnamon is how it adds depth to a dish, something that can be quite challenging to achieve. Its warm, slightly sweet, slightly spicy taste makes it incredibly versatile. I enjoy pairing it with nutmeg, allspice, cloves, vanilla, cardamom, ginger, honey, sugar, cocoa, apple, pear, raisins, tomatoes, wine, butter, meat, yogurt, and even rosewater.

Cinnamon adds a delightful touch to teas and coffee. It’s a staple in warm chai tea and blends beautifully into coffee with almond milk or coconut milk. You can even brew fresh cinnamon sticks with other whole spices in hot water for a warming infusion.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, cinnamon is a must. I love baked apples and pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a tasty, low-effort, and healthy after-dinner treat. It’s a star ingredient in many baked goods I make. In some cuisines, it’s used more in savoury dishes. Cinnamon appears in Persian-style curry pastes, sambar powder, and many sweet and savoury Turkish dishes.

Cinnamon is a spice that truly shines in both sweet and savoury recipes, adding a touch of warmth and depth to whatever you’re cooking. Give it a try and see how it can transform your meals!

Try these recipes with cinnamon: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Mash, Paleo BBQ Sauce With Apple & Cinnamon, or Cinnamon Ginger & Raisin Pancakes.

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4. Chilli Powder

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Chili or chili powder is essentially the dried and ground flesh of one or more types of chili peppers. There are various types, such as cayenne pepper or Aleppo chili, and it can also be used as chili flakes rather than powder. The choice depends on the level of heat, texture, and the specific recipe you’re making.

Depending on the type of chili used, the powder will have different amounts of heat, flavor, color, and aroma characteristics. You don’t need to handle a ton of spice to enjoy a little dose of chili. Let’s run through some basics to put it into perspective.

Types of Chili Powder

• Cayenne Pepper: This orange-red powder packs quite a kick and is slightly more bitter than other chili powders.
• Aleppo Chili: Aleppo chili offers more than just heat. It has a complex, savory flavor that is zesty, fruity, earthy, and fiery. It’s one of the most versatile varieties and is often used in skewered meat dishes, meatballs, and rice dishes.
• Chipotle: Made from smoked jalapeno peppers, chipotle chili combines a rich, smoky flavor and aroma with heat.

The heat can sometimes overshadow the sweet, warm flavor of the peppers. Chili powder is often used to add heat and spice rather than just flavor. Pro tip: Dried chili can be used in place of fresh chili in recipes. Some of my favorite chili pairings are with tomatoes, nuts, honey, and chocolate—the sweetness really balances out the spice.

Using Chili in Cooking

Chili pairs well with other warm spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon, and can be used to add heat to nearly anything. Some dishes that benefit from chili include tomato and meat-based stews, casseroles, and sauces for an extra kick—think good old chili recipes, buffalo wing sauce, chicken cashew nut, chili crab, and so on. I also love using it in spice mixes for curries, taco meats, barbecue rubs, Cajun chicken, fish and chicken marinades, salsas, relishes, and harissa…the list goes on.

Benefits of Chili

Chili peppers and their derivatives offer several health benefits. Capsaicin can boost metabolism and aid in weight loss, while the high vitamin C content helps boost immunity. This powerful spice can also help clear sinuses and promote healthy digestion. Just be sure to use it wisely!

Try these chili recipes: Spicy Nigerian Beef and Spicy Beef & Cucumber Salad.

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5. Mild Curry Powder

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If you know how much I love a good curry, it’s no surprise that curry powder made it to my list today. It’s not just for curry either, but you can’t make an authentic-tasting bowl at home without it.

Curry powder is a staple spice mix in Asia, with varying ingredients depending on the country and dishes it’s used in. Typical ingredients include ground coriander seed, turmeric, cumin, fenugreek, and chili. Ginger, caraway, cardamom, pepper, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon can also be added. You can easily make your own at home with bulk spices, or buy your favourite pre-made blend. Like any spice, it’s best when it’s fresh!

My top pick is mild curry powder because it’s not overpowering, making it incredibly versatile. While spicier curry powder is welcome in some recipes, I prefer to add the heat later. Mild curry powder is perfect for adding a little kick to scrambled eggs or for seasoning a simple meat and veggie sheet pan meal.

Using Curry Powder

Naturally, its most popular use is for traditional curry. With meat, veggies, canned coconut milk, and curry powder, you can whip up an incredibly flavorful curry to serve over white rice or grain-free cauliflower rice. This is one of my go-to weeknight meals—it never disappoints!

Considering the wide array of spices used to create curry powder, you get an amazing array of health benefits too. This spicy blend is anti-inflammatory, packed with vitamins, and has components that can help stabilize blood sugar.

Try these recipes with mild curry powder: Curry Spiced Scrambled Eggs with Onions, 15-Minute Curry Coconut Prawn Stir-Fry.

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Let me know what your must-have spices are! I hope I’ve inspired you to use some of those more underrated spices hiding out in your cabinet, or just given you some new ideas on how to use them.

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