Must-have spices to warm up your rainy day meals
What's the story
Rainy days demand cozy comfort foods that warm the soul.
The trick to taking these dishes a notch higher is spices.
Some spices can turn an ordinary meal into a delightful affair, just the way you like it while listening to the rain.
Here are kitchen spices you must have to enhance flavors and warm up your rainy day meals, making every bite as comforting as the weather outside.
Spice 1
Cinnamon: Sweet and warm
Cinnamon is a versatile spice with its sweet and warm flavor profile. It goes well with sweet and savory, which makes it a perfect candidate for a rainy day's comfort foods.
Adding cinnamon in baked goods like cookies or cakes can create a cozy aroma that would fill your home.
You can also use it in savory dishes like stews or curries to add depth and warmth.
SPICE 2
Ginger: Zesty heat
Ginger provides a zesty heat that can wake up any dish.
Its distinctive flavor complements soups, teas, and stir-fries, giving a comforting kick on cold rainy days.
Fresh ginger brightens up broths and sauces, while ground ginger is an ideal choice for baking spiced treats like gingerbread cookies or muffins.
Spice 3
Turmeric: Earthy golden hue
Turmeric deserves a special mention for its earthy flavor and that beautiful golden color.
Not only does it work wonders in curries, but turmeric also elevates soups, rice dishes, and even smoothies with its unique flavor.
On rainy days, turmeric-infused golden milk can be especially comforting owing to its warming capabilities.
SPICE 4
Nutmeg: Subtle sweetness
Nutmeg adds subtle sweetness with hints of nuttiness that beautifully marries both sweet and savory recipes.
A pinch of nutmeg in creamy pasta sauces or mashed potatoes adds a layer of complexity without overpowering other flavors.
In desserts such as custards or pies, nutmeg gives an aromatic punch that adds to their comforting nature.
SPICE 5
Cloves: Intense aroma
Known for their intense aroma, cloves infuse dishes with warmth when used sparingly, owing to their strong taste profile.
They work wonders when added whole into simmering liquids (like hot beverages) during chilly weather conditions outside.
Ground cloves lend themselves beautifully towards enhancing baked goods (like spiced breads), along with other seasonal favorites too.