Top Spices and Herbs to Keep in Your Pantry

There is nothing more frustrating than reading a recipe and realizing that you are missing only one key ingredient. On the flip side though, there is something very satisfying about being a cook and having 11 out of 11 ingredients needed for a recipe. A well stocked pantry leads to a well run (and headache free) kitchen.   

If you are just starting out cooking on a regular basis, you may not have everything listed here and an easy way to stock up is to add one new spice to your grocery list every week. Depending on what brand you get, it will only add $3 - $6 to your total and you will easily have everything you need before you know it.  This is not an exhaustive or scientific post, but it will help you build up your pantry and assure that you have the most popular spices and herbs available when you are ready to cook. Another tip though, if you have most of the ingredients in a recipe and are only missing one, it can most likely be left out or even substituted for a similar ingredient.

These are some of my favorites that I use all the time, but what are some of yours? Let me know in the comments, what is one spice or herb that you would add to the list??

Kosher Salt - This is the biggest staple in my kitchen, and I use it for everything that needs salt, unless a baking recipe specifically calls for table salt.

Ground Black Pepper - Another staple that you should have, if for nothing else to add to eggs and top some meals after cooking.

Fresh Garlic - I use this in a lot of savory cooking, and where there are onions, I tend to use garlic. Mmmm, yum!

Basil - Use it to make pesto, and in Italian dishes among other things. It is easy to grow at home on your back deck, but you can also keep the dried herbs longer (but please don't use the dried herbs to make pesto from scratch). 

Rosemary - A fragrant lemon scented herb, I like to use it in breads like focaccia and also in some pasta dishes. Also great with chicken and fish.

Thyme - You will see this one in a lot of recipes and it will do you good to have some on hand. Usually where there is rosemary, there is thyme (for me anyways).

Oregano - Another widely used herb, trust me on this one, add it to your pantry.

Paprika - You can find it in smokey and sweet variety and if you are not making rubs and barbecue, you will use it to flavor your meats, soups and stews.

Chili Powder - This powder is not just ground chilis, it is a combination of chili peppers, cumin, garlic, oregano, coriander, cloves and allspice. Excellent in Mexican dishes and chili (go figure).

Cayenne - I always use cayenne to add a little kick to my dishes. You can also use the alternative - crushed red pepper flakes (which I also love!).

Ground Ginger - Goes great in Asian dishes and pork, and you will also find it in dessert recipes.

Coriander - What the heck is coriander anyways? Did you know this seed is actually from the cilantro plant? I just recently discovered this gem- even though I always saw it being called for in recipes.

Curry Powder - A quick and easy way to make curry dishes, and you can also add it to certain cream soups (like pumpkin) to enhance the flavor.

Cinnamon - It's not just for baking anymore! Use it in meat rubs and holiday drinks.