Blog

How to Finish a Dish with Dried Herbs & Spices

Date Published
January 28, 2024
Author
Josh Cook

Welcome to a world where your everyday meals transform into extraordinary culinary experiences, all with a simple sprinkle!

In this post, we’re exploring the art of using dried herbs and spices as finishing touches, a technique that can elevate any home-cooked meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

 

The Power of Dried Herbs and Spices

The magic of dried herbs and spices lies in their concentrated flavors. Herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary become more potent when dried, offering a robust taste that can withstand the cooking process. Spices like cumin, coriander, and cloves also intensify in flavor when dried, making them perfect for adding depth to dishes.

 

Substituting Fresh with Dried

Substituting fresh herbs with dried ones requires a bit of know-how. The general rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, you’d use just 1 teaspoon of dried.

It’s important to remember that some dried herbs take time to release their flavors, so they’re best added during the cooking process rather than as a last-minute garnish. But there are certainly some that shine when added at the end of a dish.

 

Perfect Pairings with Everyday Dishes

Dried herbs like basil, or ground spices like paprika and black pepper, are perfect for finishing a dish. They lend a burst of flavor without the need for long cooking times.

Selecting the right herb or spice for finishing can make all the difference in a dish. Here are some classic pairings to try:

Dried Basil

Enhances the flavor of tomato-based pasta sauces and margherita pizzas.

Crushed Red Pepper

Adds a spicy kick to marinara sauce, pizza, or sautéed vegetables.

Dried Oregano

Perfect for Greek salads, grilled chicken, or sprinkled over roasted potatoes.

Ground Cumin

A great finishing touch for chili, taco fillings, or lentil soups.

Smoked Paprika

Imparts a smoky flavor to deviled eggs, potato salad, or roasted nuts.

Dried Thyme

Complements roasted root vegetables, baked fish, or creamy soups.

Ground Coriander

Offers a citrusy note to lentil dishes, curries, or grilled pork.

Dried Dill

Ideal for topping salmon, mixing into yogurt sauces, or enhancing cucumber salads.

Ground Ginger

Adds warmth to carrot soup, stir-fries, or sweet potato dishes.

Garlic Powder

Elevates mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or sautéed greens.

 

Replace Your Salt

For many, finishing a dish simply requires salt and pepper. While we’re huge fans of both, there are times when you need something more.

Amplify your final dish with a dash of infused salt, like our Italian Seasoning Salt, which can be used for nearly any protein or vegetable across a wide range of cooking methods. From grilling to sous vide cooking, this infused salt packs huge flavour in only a pinch.

Are you grilling steaks? Consider using Zest’s Steak Spice to elevate your potatoes or other vegetables. The combination offers salt, pepper, a touch of dill, and other flavours that will complement your perfectly grilled steak.

 

Dried herbs and spices are a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, experimenting with these culinary gems can lead to delightful discoveries. Share your experiences and favorite combinations in the comments – let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together!

Looking for More?

If you enjoyed this article, we hope you saved room for seconds!

Here are some of our latest articles, or click here to see all of our posts.

Father’s Day Gift Guide: The Ultimate BBQ Edition

Father’s Day is around the corner, and it's the perfect time to surprise the grill master in your life with some top-notch barbecue essentials. Whether he's a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, our curated list of BBQ gifts will help him up his grilling game....

What to Expect this Spring from the Barrie Farmers’ Market

Spring at the Barrie Farmers' Market isn't just a tradition—it's a celebration of the community, and what we are capable of when we work together. And we are capable of a lot. Farmers... Artisans... Customers... Performers... Young... Old... The market is a place...

Brining Basics: A Guide to Juicier Meat and Tastier Vegetables

Welcome to the flavorful world of brining! If you're aiming to impress at your next meal, mastering the art of brining is a surefire way to elevate your cooking game. Perfect for beginners, this guide will introduce you to everything you need to know about brining,...

Spice Things Up: 5 Ingredients to Use on Valentine’s Day

In the realm of romance, few things can match the allure of a home-cooked meal, especially when it's seasoned with a sprinkle of love... and the right spices. Certain spices are renowned not just for their flavor but also for their aphrodisiac properties, promising to...

Spice Up Your Health: The Healing Power of Dried Herbs and Spices

In the realm of culinary treasures, dried herbs and spices aren’t just flavor enhancers; they're potent sources of wellness and vitality. From the aromatic allure of cinnamon to the robust punch of turmeric, these dried wonders offer not only a sensory delight but a...

5 Simple, Irresistible Fruity Desserts

August in Ontario brings with it a cornucopia of fresh and vibrant produce, ripe and ready to be transformed into delectable desserts. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these five easy-to-make desserts are sure to satisfy...

Your Guide to Ontario’s August Harvest

As August arrives, bringing with it warm sunshine and balmy breezes, Ontario's becomes a canvas of vibrant colors and flavors. From juicy apples to luscious blueberries, and from crisp lettuce to hearty tomatoes, we are excited to celebrate the abundance of fresh...

Master the Grill: the Art of Grilling Vegetables

While barbecuing is often associated with savory steaks, juicy burgers, and succulent ribs, it's time to put vegetables in the spotlight! Grilling vegetables on the BBQ is not only a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based goodness into your meals but also a...

Master the Grill: 7 Simple Steps to the Perfect Burger

There's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, perfectly grilled burger. Imagine the combination of the sizzling patties, melty cheese, fresh toppings, and a bun that holds it all together—nothing can match it. Today, we'll guide you through the steps to...

Master the Grill: The Importance of Salt for Perfectly Grilled Meats

When it comes to grilling, we often think about the vibrant spices, aromatic herbs, and mouthwatering BBQ rubs. However, there's one humble ingredient that deserves a special place in your grilling arsenal: salt. At The Zest Spice Company, we believe that salt plays a...

Free Shipping

on product refills for Zest Members.¹

And the best part? Your Zest Membership is 100% FREE!

Your FREE Zest Membership gives you access to free shipping on product refills, access to member-only sales, and our email newsletter.

You can even gain first-in-line access to new and exclusive products!

Legal (click to expand)

1. Free shipping applies to Zest Members with shipping addresses located within Canada and who have opted-in (i.e. subscribed) to the Zest Spice Company's emails. International shipping is not available. Free shipping is limited to product refill pouches weighing less than 100g. Other restictions or exclusions may apply. See product pages for details. Unsubscribing from any email list from the Zest Spice Company may void any membership. Offer and conditions may be subject to change based on the sole discretion of the Zest Spice Company.