The starter cabinet
Ten spices that cover most weeknight cooking
If you are building from nothing, start here. These ten do the most work across the widest range of dishes, from a quick curry to a roast chicken. Buy small and replace often.
- 1
Black pepperThe one spice almost every savory dish uses. Buy a grinder.
- 2
CuminEarthy backbone of chili, tacos, curry, and beans.
- 3
PaprikaColor and mild sweet-pepper flavor for stews, rubs, and eggs.
- 4
CinnamonWarm sweetness for baking and savory braises alike.
- 5
OreganoThe pizza-and-tomato herb, better dried than fresh.
- 6
GingerBright heat for stir-fries fresh, warm spice for baking dried.
- 7
CayenneA pinch adds clean heat without changing a dish's color.
- 8
Bay leafA quiet savory backbone for any soup, stew, or pot of beans.
- 9
TurmericEarthy color for rice, dals, and curry powders.
- 10
Coriander seedCitrusy partner to cumin in most spice blends.