In his video "12 Essential Spices," renowned chef Emeril Lagasse shares the foundational spices he believes every home cook should have in their pantry. These spices are integral to creating flavorful dishes and are staples in Emeril's own kitchen.
- Salt – A fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of food. Most people now buy sea salt for its "health benefits" but there is no scientific evidence that says sea salt of any kind is better for blood pressure or your health over regular table salt.
- Black Peppercorn – Adds a sharp, pungent flavor; freshly ground is preferred for its robust taste.
- Dried Thyme – Earthy and minty, it complements a variety of meats and vegetables.
- Dried Oregano – Aromatic and slightly bitter, it's a staple in Mediterranean and Latin American cooking.
- Bay Leaves – Impart a subtle depth of flavor to soups, stews, and sauces; typically removed before serving.
- Cayenne Pepper – Brings heat and a spicy kick to dishes; use sparingly to control the level of spiciness.
- Crushed Red Pepper – Adds a sharp, spicy heat and is perfect for seasoning pizza, pasta, and sauces.
- Paprika – Offers a sweet and smoky flavor, commonly used in Creole and Cajun cuisines.
- Chili Powder – A robust blend often combining ground chilies, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder — essential for Tex-Mex, chili, and barbecue dishes.
- Ground Cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor, essential in Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines.
- Emeril's Essence – A signature Creole seasoning blend of paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme — perfect for adding a "BAM!" of flavor to any dish.
- Celery Salt – A mix of ground celery seed and salt, adding a savory, slightly bitter flavor that’s great for Bloody Marys, coleslaw, and seasoning meats.
Emeril emphasizes that these spices form the backbone of many dishes and are versatile across various cuisines. By keeping these essentials on hand, home cooks can elevate their meals and experiment with diverse flavors.
Other "nice to have" items:
- Saffron – A prized spice with a rich golden color and a delicate, earthy flavor; essential for paella, risottos, and special occasion dishes. A little goes a long way! Be sure to buy threads, not pre-ground saffron.
- Ground Cinnamon – Warm, sweet, and woody; essential in both sweet and savory dishes, from desserts to Middle Eastern stews.
- Garlic Powder – Provides concentrated garlic flavor when fresh garlic isn’t available; ideal for rubs, marinades, and seasoning blends.
- Onion Powder – Sweet, savory, and slightly pungent; perfect for seasoning blends, rubs, and marinades.
- Nutmeg – Sweet, warm, and aromatic; perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, from baked goods to creamy sauces and soups. Buy whole nutmeg and grate it fresh (there are special nutmeg graters that will also hold the nutmeg when it’s not being used). There is no comparison between the flavor of freshly grated and pre-ground nutmeg.
- Kosher Salt – Coarse, flaky salt ideal for seasoning meats and vegetables; known for its clean, pure taste and easy-to-sprinkle texture.
