Mastering the Spice Aisle: A Guide to Basic Spices and Pairings
Picture this: you’re wandering down the spice aisle, overwhelmed by the sea of choices before you. Cinnamon? Coriander? What on earth is turmeric? It’s easy to feel lost when faced with so many options. But fear not! We’ve created this guide to help you make sense of the essentials and bring your cooking to life with confidence.Â
Here’s the lowdown on eight key spices you’ve likely seen on the shelves but may not have known how to use:Â

Cinnamon
This sweet and woody spice is known for adding flavour to desserts, but don’t limit it! Cinnamon brings warmth to your dishes; think butternut cinnamon soup on a cold winter’s day. Use it to bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables like these honey and cinnamon glazed carrots from Weber South Africa.  Â
Pairs well with:Â Â
- CardamumÂ
- Star AniseÂ
- Cloves
- Root VegetablesÂ

Coriander
Both the seeds and ground version of coriander are versatile. It’s nutty and citrusy, making it a perfect addition to curries, soups, and marinades. Toast the seeds to release their oils and intensify their aroma. Ground coriander is a key ingredient in spice blends like garam masala.Â
Pairs well with:Â Â
- Garlic
- CuminÂ
- Citrus
- Fish

Cumin
Earthy, warm, and slightly peppery, cumin is an essential spice of Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Cumin is an excellent addition to soups and marinades; it elevates tomato-based dishes like shakshuka and enhances the savoury notes of meats. It’s the secret ingredient behind the richness of Mexican tacos and the boldness of Indian curries. Â
Pairs Well With:Â Â
- CorianderÂ
- Garlic
- LambÂ
- Beef
- Legumes

Cayenne Pepper
Need heat? Cayenne is your go-to spice. In addition to providing heat it also offers fruitiness and earthiness. Add a small pinch to soups, meat rubs, or hot chocolate for a bold, spicy kick. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less to achieve the desired spiciness. A little goes a long way, so start small and add more if needed. Â
Pairs well with:Â Â
- CitrusÂ
- Garlic
- Dark ChocolateÂ
- Root Vegetables

Garlic Powder
When fresh garlic isn’t an option, garlic powder saves the day. It brings a savoury umami flavour to dishes. Its convenience and long shelf life make it a staple in any spice rack.  Â
Pairs well with:Â Â
- ChickenÂ
- PastasÂ
- Potatoes
- Sauteed VegetablesÂ

Ginger
Warm and slightly sweet, ground ginger is fantastic in both sweet and savoury dishes. When it comes to pairing ginger with other ingredients, the options are endless. Use it to add flavour to stir-fries, soups, or marinades. It’s also fantastic in beverages—brew a cup of ginger tea or mix it into lemonade for an added kick.Â
Pairs well with:Â Â
- Basil
- ChickenÂ
- HoneyÂ
- CinnamonÂ
- Garlic

Turmeric
Known for its bright golden hue and earthy flavour, turmeric contains a warm, subtly bitter and peppery aroma. Often used in curry powders, sauces, and marinades, it can also be brewed into tea or taken as a supplement. Bonus: it’s packed with health benefits, and such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties! Â
Pairs well with:Â
- Chillies
- Ginger
- ChickenÂ
- Coconut
- Honey

Paprika
From sweet to smoky, paprika adds depth and colour to your dishes. This spice is made from dried, peppers and is commonly used in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Sprinkle it on devilled eggs, mix it into marinades, or add it over roasted nuts for a snack. It’s also a star ingredient in paella.Â
Pairs well with:Â Â
- Roasted meatsÂ
- Eggs
- PrawnsÂ
- Fish
- TomatoesÂ
So, are you ready to conquer the world of spices yet? Â
Although it can be daunting, cooking is all about experimenting! Visit Amapelepeles online store to stock up on all the flavour. Add a small amount of any of these spices to your favourite dish and watch it transform!Â