Herbs And Spices You Will Need In Winter

When it comes to winter cooking, rich roasts, hearty stews, satisfying soups and spicy dishes to warm you up are sure to be on the menu all season long. Comforting foods to cosy up to on the couch are certainly what the chilly winter weather calls for. So, in preparation for the frostier weather and all the indulgent dishes you want to make, you need to make sure you’ve stocked up on the essential ingredients you’ll need for winter-warming meals.

While making sure you have enough meat in the freezer to make mouth-watering roasts and stews is important, certain ingredients tend to get overlooked when ensuring your pantry is winter-proofed. Herbs and spices are essential for enriching your dishes with robust flavour to turn every meal into a tantalising delight. So let’s explore the essential herbs and spices you need to create the tastiest winter-warming meals.

Natural Herbs and Spices for Winter

Cooking with herbs and spices is an excellent way to infuse any dish with delicious flavours and aromas, no matter the time of year. During the colder seasons though, to go along with your hearty meals, there are certain herbs and spices essentials that are perfect for bringing out the best taste from your winter meals. So here are must-have herbs and spices list of 3 classic winter seasonings you should stock up on:

1. Rosemary

2. Cinnamon

3. Ginger

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is a flavourful Mediterranean herb with a strong flavour that pairs perfectly with smoky or grilled dishes, chicken and lamb, and winter vegetables. Rosemary is a herb that also bakes well, which is why it features in focaccia bread. So consider adding it to your savoury bakes to add some earthy, herby notes, like in this tasty Garlic and Rosemary Flatbreads recipe. Consider dunking your rosemary bread into a winter soup or stew for an unforgettable meal. If you’ve wondered, ‘is rosemary warming or cooling’, wonder no more - rosemary is a warming herb.

2. Cinnamon

This popular spice has a delightful aroma and gives off a warm, sweet flavour. This is why one of its most popular uses is in sweet and fruity dishes like milk tarts, biscuits, fruit tarts and other baked goods. While it’s perfect for adding to sweeter dishes, this distinctive spice works well in a variety of savoury dishes too like this delectable Glazed Red Wine and Cinnamon Gammon. Cinnamon perfectly complements squashes like butternut and pumpkin too so sprinkle some over your next vegetable bake.

3. Ginger

If you’ve ever wondered, ‘what is a warming herb’, ginger root certainly qualifies. Used in both fresh (as a herb) and dried (as a spice) form, we can’t speak about winter spices without mentioning this warm spice. This slightly spicy spice is used in a variety of dishes to add some punchy flavour to your meals that will help keep you toasty during winter. Try this Ginger, Chilli & Garlic Barbecue Chicken Rice Paper Rolls recipe and enjoy the refreshing spicy kick the ginger brings.

Cooking with herbs and spices is a fun and flavourful way to add rich taste, irresistible aromas and some warmth to your meals. So make sure you’re stocked up on the essential herbs and spices you’ll need this winter to transform your dishes from just nice to delectable.