Cumin for lentils and beans
Stir a little cumin into the onion before adding water to lentils. Taste near serving time. You can also try it in mashed chickpeas or roast vegetables. Note how much you used if you want to repeat the flavour.
Turmeric for rice
Stir a little ground turmeric into the rice base before adding water. Start with a small pot to find the colour and flavour you prefer, especially if another blend already contains turmeric.
Black pepper and stock seasoning
Add ground black pepper to sauces or marinades a little at a time. Compare it with cracked pepper if you want more texture. For vegetable soup or rice, add a little chicken stock alternative to the cooking liquid. It contains salt, so taste again near the end if the liquid has reduced.
Build from what you use
Try cumin lentils, turmeric rice, a peppered side sauce and a small soup. After a couple of weeks, add herbs if you cook sauces regularly, or a blend for a rice dish you repeat. Start with the everyday spice essentials collection.
