A good spice shelf is the difference between a meal that tastes fine and one that makes people stop and ask what is in it. You do not need dozens of jars to get there. A small core set of spices will carry you across an enormous range of dishes. Here are five we would never want to cook without.
The Big Five
Turmeric is earthy and warm, and it gives curries and rice that lovely golden colour. A little goes a long way. Cumin, whether you reach for the whole seeds or the ground spice, brings a smoky depth that suits everything from lentil dhal to spiced rice to a simple pot of beans. Coriander, ground, is milder and slightly citrusy, and it quietly rounds out countless curry bases and marinades. Garam masala is your finishing spice, a blend of warming aromatics like cardamom, cloves and cinnamon that you stir in near the end of cooking. And chilli powder, used with a little care, gives you heat and colour in one go.
Where to Find Them
At Spice Éire we stock all five in a range of sizes and brands, from everyday cooking packs right up to the larger bags that families who cook from scratch get through quickly. Whether you are popping into our Kimmage or Tallaght store or ordering through the online shop at spiceeire.ie, these essentials are always on the shelf.
