Herb & Spice Companion

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Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion

Dtp:VIVIAN Page:181

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(Text)

COMMON KITCHEN SPICES

• 181 –

Soil: Light, fertile, well drained. Mix compost into the

soil for added nutrients and better drainage.

Plant: Seeds. Soak in water overnight to help them

germinate. After sowing, mist with water from a spray

bottle to keep moist.

Water: Regularly and thoroughly, when soil feels some-

what dry but not completely dry; soil should be moist

but not wet.

Harvest: After about 4 months or longer, seedpods will grow ripe and turn brown,

while stems will dry and become brittle. Snip stems into a paper bag, then hang to

dry.

Care: Weed regularly. Protect from frosts and winds.

In the Kitchen

Dishes: Curries, rice, chilies, stews,

soups, sausages, breads, pickling spices,

chutneys

Prep: Enhance the flavor of whole seeds

by dry-roasting or frying before use (see

pages 149–150). Use seeds whole or

grind using a mortar and pestle or spice

grinder.

Serve: Ubiquitous in curries and many

Indian dishes, cumin creates well-

rounded overall flavor when used with

other pungent spices. Pair it with pota-

toes, squash, or carrots, whether roasted

or in stews and soups. Cumin is espe-

cially delicious with lamb, couscous,

beans, and chickpeas, and is a common

ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex chili.

Fresh cumin leaves can add a little spice

to salads.

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Chili powder
  contains cumin

Coriander Seeds

• Caraway seeds

PAIRINGS

Fruits and Vegetables:

cabbage, carrots, celery, corn,

cucumbers, eggplant, onions,

peppers, potatoes, squash,

tomatoes

Proteins: beans, beef, cheeses,

chicken, fish, game, lamb, lentils,

pork, turkey, venison

Seasonings: ajwain, allspice,

anise, bay leaf, cardamom, chili

peppers, cilantro, cinnamon,

cloves, coriander seeds, curry

leaves, fennel seeds, fenugreek

seeds, garlic, ginger, lemon juice,

lime juice, mustard, nutmeg,

oregano, paprika, pepper,

tamarind, thyme, turmeric

Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
Dtp:VIVIAN Page:180

Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion

Dtp:VIVIAN Page:181

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