Considered sacred in India, holy basil (a.k.a. holy tulsi) is used heavily in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. It offers an intense aroma that is like that of cloves, along with a mild peppery bite and subtle licorice notes. The herb is best known for its use in drunken stir-fry dishes …
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and is a staple of French cooking. English lavender is the variety most commonly used as a culinary herb. Its floral sweetness and citrus notes can complement a wide range of foods, ranging from roasted chicken to ice cream. While popular in many …
Poppy seeds are visually striking and can offer a nutty flavor along with a crunchy texture to enhance all sorts of dishes, from curries and stir-fries to lemon poppy seed muffins and bagels. They are especially common ingredient in both European and Indian recipes. If you are out of poppy …
Orris root is the rhizome of the iris flower and can be a valuable addition to your spice cabinet if you want to make a version of ras el hanout that contains it. Finding it in a hurry may be a problem since this spice is not widely used. The …
Mango powder is also called amchur (or amchoor) and is used to provide tartness in Indian cuisine. Along with its sour notes, it adds a fruity aroma and mild sweetness. Your best options for finding mango powder are to seek out Indian grocery stores or to order it online. If …
The extract in vanilla extract’s name is there because the flavor is extracted from the vanilla bean using alcohol. Vanilla extract is essential for many desserts and baked goods, particularly cookies and cakes. If you run out unexpectedly or can’t find the pure version (as opposed to the imitation version) …
Date sugar is often recommended as a substitute for refined sugar because it contains nutrients not found in crystallized sugars. The fact that it consists of ground, dried dates makes it unique among sugars. It works well in a wide variety of applications, including beverages like coffee and tea. It …
Garlic scapes are a great ingredient for stir-fried dishes, as well as for some pestos and soups. You can even grill them up like asparagus for an intensely garlicky side dish. You may have trouble finding them in the typical produce section since they are not a popular vegetable, though …