Herbs and spices are a fantastic way to add flavour and depth to any dish, and vegan cooking is no exception.
Whether you’re new to the vegan lifestyle or a seasoned pro, incorporating a variety of herbs and spices into your cooking can help you create delicious, healthy, and satisfying meals that elevate your cooking to new heights.
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Now, let’s explore some popular vegan herb and spice blends and how they can be used in your cooking.
Italian Seasoning
is a staple in Mediterranean kitchens, and for a good reason. With a mix of basil, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and garlic, it is perfect for adding flavour to pasta dishes, pizza, and more. Simply sprinkle a teaspoon or two over your dish for an instant flavour boost.
Curry Powder
is a staple in many Indian dishes and is perfect for adding depth and flavour to your vegan curries, stews, and soups. With a mix of coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper, it is a versatile addition to any kitchen.
Garam Masala
Again an Indian blend that is perfect for adding depth to your dishes. With a mix of cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this blend is perfect for adding flavour to curries, stews, and more.
Cajun Seasoning
If you’re looking for a bit of heat, look no further than this spicy Cajun. With paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, this blend is perfect for adding a touch of heat to your vegan dishes. Try it in a vegan jambalaya or black bean stew.
Herbes de Provence
are perfect for adding a touch of the South of France to your cooking. With thyme, rosemary, marjoram, basil, bay leaves, and optional lavender, this blend is perfect for seasoning grilled vegetables, tofu, and more.
My secret is adding it into a jar filled with black olives with additional garlic and lemon. I cannot begin to explain how good that is.
Ras el Hanout
This Moroccan mix perfectly adds depth and warmth to your vegan dishes. With a mix of cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and turmeric, it is perfect for adding flavour to stews, curries, and more.
Chinese Five Spice
is perfect for adding a touch of the Far East to your cooking. With a mix of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and Sichuan pepper, it adds flavour to stir-fries, tofu dishes, and mock meats.
Za’atar
is a Middle Eastern blend that is good for adding a touch of the Mediterranean to your cooking. With thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt, this blend is perfect for seasoning grilled vegetables, tofu, and more.
Another secret favourite of mine — you need to trust the process — is red onion salad with red beans and pointy green peppers with parsley, olive oil, lemon, some apple cider vinegar, salt and sumac. I know onion salad with sumac doesn’t sound all too inviting, but you need to try it and thank me later.
Pro Tip: Slice the onions as thinly as possible and let them soak a bit in olive oil, then add the rest of the ingredients.
Many herbs and spices also have health benefits. For example, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, while cumin can aid digestion. So, using a variety of herbs and spices in your cooking can help ensure you’re getting a range of nutrients and health benefits.
When it comes to herb and spice blends, the specific ratio of each ingredient can vary widely depending on personal preference and regional variation. However, here are some general guidelines for the popular blends above.
Italian Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Curry Powder
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garam Masala
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Herbes de Provence
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers (optional)
Ras el Hanout
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Chinese Five Spice
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground fennel seed
- 1 tablespoon ground star anise
- 1 teaspoon ground Sichuan pepper
Za’atar
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons ground sumac
- 1 teaspoon salt
Here are a few more European-style herb and spice blends:
Poultry Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried savory
Bouquet Garni
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh parsley
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Provencal Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- One tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
Again, these are just guidelines, and you can adjust the ratios of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!
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