8 Spices to Always Have in Your Kitchen

The following recipe, video and photography were provided by our partner, Chef Billy Parisi.

As a chef, I know just how important spices are for adding flavor to food, but you don’t have to be a professional chef to master the art of cooking with spice.

Whether you’re grilling meat and fish, roasting vegetables or simmering a soup, spices and dried herbs can elevate just about any dish.

The most common question I’m asked when it comes to spices is, “how do I know which spices to use?” The answer is the “less is more approach!” Rather than loading your kitchen cabinet with an endless assortment of spices, pick a handful that you know you’ll use often, then combine them to create big-flavored seasonings.

Heinen’s has a wide assortment of organic and non-organic spices and dried herbs under their brand, so as you purge and restock your spice selection, I highly recommend checking out their options.

To help build your shopping list, here are the eight spices I always have in my kitchen and different ways to blend them.

Chef Billy Parisi’s Must-Have Spices

Basil
Chili Powder
Cumin
Garlic Granules
Ground Mustard
Paprika
Onion Granules
Oregano

Ingredients

BBQ Seasoning

2 tsp. garlic granules
2 tsp. onion granules
2 tsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper

Southwest Seasoning

2 tsp. garlic granules
2 tsp. onion granules
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground mustard
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper

Latin Seasoning

2 tsp. garlic granules
2 tsp. onion granules
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. oregano
1 ½ tsp. cumin
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper

Italian Seasoning

2 tsp. basil
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp. garlic granules
2 tsp. onion granules
2 tsp. rosemary
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper

Instructions

Mix ingredients until combined
Use the freshly mixed spice blend immediately, or store in an airtight container.

Heinen's Spices