Cajun

Cajun is one of my top five spices and to be honest a savvy buy.  It’s a healthy fusion of every day spices, which gives a kick to even the simplest of dishes.  This spice is often a blend of:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Cayenne
• Thyme
• Chilli
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano

I make my own healthy spicy Cajun seasoning and use it on my meat and fish dishes.  From time to time I will add a teaspoon of Cajun to my vegetables pasta. This spice makes a great tasty addition to tomato based sauces. Cajun seasoning also tastes great on chicken and fish. This seasoning is readily is most food stores.

Coriander

Alongside Cajun seasoning, I also use Coriander. Coriander is another herb which I use a lot, largely because of its distinctive taste.  In my opinion buying a coriander plant is a worthwhile investment. It’s readily available and pretty simple to grow and maintain (I’m a lazy gardener). Cilantro is a spice that has been used for centuries and it can be found in various kitchens worldwide. It is also known under the name of coriander and Chinese parsley. The plant itself has plenty of different varieties, with colors ranging from white to green to red (although not always).

The leaves are what we use most of the time, but the seeds can also be ground up for cooking. One of my favorite things about coriander is how easy it is to grow and maintain! I know this because I have grown it myself at home on more than one occasion, and you don’t even need much space either! You should try growing your own!

Roasted coriander seeds can be used to make refreshing coriander tea.  I usually add fresh coriander leaves to my curry, as it gives my curry a deep,  authentic taste.   It is not uncommon for me to add a sneaky pinch of coriander to my salads and soups.

Do you love coriander? It’s a great spice that goes well with so many dishes. But are you aware of it’s numerous health benefits? The ancient Greeks used to put coriander on soldiers wounds and believed it helped heal them. Today, we know that this is because the seeds have an active ingredient called apigenin which helps reduce pain and swelling in the body. Coriander also contains vitamin C and other nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and protein! So next time you make something with coriander or just sprinkle some over your food for extra flavor – don’t forget about its many healthy properties!

Basil

Basil, one of the most versatile herbs in the kitchen. It has a delicious aroma that can make any dish come alive with flavour My Bolognese sauce wouldn’t be the same without some good old basil.  The smell alone makes my sauces and soups more appetising.  I freeze any leftover basil for around 3 to 4 months (so convenient).  This herb has an earthy taste and compliments the tomatoes in my pasta dishes. The fact that basil is packed with antioxidants is added bonus. Basil herbs freezes well, when you add a dash of olive oil.

Seaweed

Seaweed is a type of edible algae that grows on the shoreline. It’s often called “the new kale” because it has so many health benefits and can be used in a variety of dishes.
The reason seaweed is so healthy and delicious is because it contains lots of nutrients, particularly iodine. This helps to regulate metabolism and thyroid function. Many people are deficient in this nutrient. Interestingly, seaweed contains more iodine, than any other food source! Seaweed also provides an array of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron which are important for bone strength.

I am really liking seaweed at the moment. It is delicious and full of antioxidants.  I simply sprinkle some crispy seaweed over just about anything. The kind of seaweed which I eat is organic.  It is laden with vitamins and omega 3.   Moreover, seaweed makes the perfect garnish for side dishes.

Conclusion

Healthy herbs and spices are a must for any cuisine, but when it comes to cooking healthy meals, they are an absolute requirement. Whether you are vegetarian or not, adding these nutritious ingredients can make even your more traditional recipes healthier without compromising the flavor. We hope this post inspired you to start experimenting with new flavours in the kitchen!

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Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. The contents of this post is for entertainment purposes only.