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!