|
The flavor of many foods can be enhanced without using calorie-laden sauces and gravies. Here are some great ways to use herbs to “spice up” your meals and bring out the natural flavors of your food. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try small amounts of several seasonings to find the right combination.
Vegetable Seasoning Ideas The flavor of any veggie can be enhanced by using bay leaf, dill seed, and vinegar. Or, try combining water, vinegar, and dry mustard to make your own healthy mustard spread.
Create Your Own Spice Shakers Making your own herb combinations will save you time (and money) when making recipes. Plus, a homemade spice shaker with a handwritten label makes a wonderful holiday gift for your favorite cook! Try making your own blends (like a simple "Italian Blend" of basil and oregano), or use the suggestions below. (Mix all ingredients well and place into a shaker with a secure lid.)
|
|
SparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more
Nutrition Articles › Quick and EasyEnhance the Flavor of Your FoodImprove Taste without Calories, Fat or Sodium-- By Tanya Jolliffe, Healthy Eating ExpertSparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more
 You will earn 3 SparkPoints
Page 1 of 1
Return to main nutrition page »
Related Content
Stay in Touch With SparkPeople
About The Author
Tanya Jolliffe
Tanya earned a bachelor's degree in dietetics and nutrition and has more than 15 years of experience in nutrition counseling and education. She has worked with clients in such areas as prenatal nutrition, general family nutrition, and therapeutic nutrition. See all of Tanya's articles. 
|
SPARKPEOPLE OFFER:
.jpg)
If people only ate when they felt true hunger, few of us would struggle with our weight. So why (and where) are we eating so much, and what can we do about it? Start here.
Read More
Balancing Seated Torso Twists with Medicine Ball
Tighten your core with this twisting move!
Tighten your core with this twisting move!
Get a personalized diet and fitness plan, great newsletters, post to our message boards, and even your own personal SparkPage!
Join Now For Free!
Join Now For Free!
Member Comments
- 1/2/2013 8:10:33 AM
- 7/16/2012 6:11:03 PM
But, unless I follow a recipe, I don't have a clue as to what spices/herbs to use.
Hopefully this article will help change that : ) !!
Peace & Happiness,
Denise
- 7/16/2012 5:58:27 PM
When I decided to become vegan (after being vegetarian for MANY years), I purchased lots of spices, herbs, etc...... (through Penzey's - LOVE THEM!)
But, - 7/16/2012 5:49:45 PM
And then there's the classic, put just a little coriander in the grinder along with your black pepper. (Actually, I use cayenne pepper almost exclusively.)
But the biggest find I've made recently is sumac. It's widely used in the middle east, one of the oldest culinary herbs It has a wonderful lemony taste, and if you do a web search for it, you'll find a lot of health claims made for it.
Oh, and of course, I never make any kind of beans or soup without putting a piece of kombu kelp in it. Really amps up the nutrition, and it adds the undefinable "yummy" factor that's the other oriental taste.
We buy all our herbs and spices at a local health food store. It's incredibly cheaper, and everything's way fresher, has a lot better flavor than from the grocery store. - 7/16/2012 4:34:38 PM
For Latin flavor: cilantro, cumin, turmeric, plus diced jalapeno or other hot pepper (or cayenne).
For Thai: cilantro, ginger, lime juice, plus jalapeno or other source of heat. I consider this to be the most heavenly combination of flavors ever!
FYI for the person who asked: turmeric is an ingredient of most curry-powder mixes & is also used in many Mexican & other Latin American foods. It's not a strong flavor--can be added liberally to many dishes. - 7/16/2012 2:26:24 PM