Taking a Closer Look at Tandoori: Keep Calm and Spice On Every cook has wondered what makes a dish so delicious. By understanding the flavor palate and makeup of tandoori, you are well on your way to making delectable dishes on the daily. Spicy Livin’ | Tandoori is a reddish-brown spice that surrounds your olfactory senses with a bold, fragrant experience thanks to its mix of cinnamon, black peppercorn, and guajillo chiles. The prominent guajillo chiles offer a flavor akin to cranberry and tomato with a hint of smokiness, while the sweetness of cin...

History of Tandoori: Take a Trip Down Tandoori Lane If you have been lucky enough to eat at an authentic Indian restaurant or cracked open a cookbook filled with Indian cuisine, then you most likely know the tantalizing taste of tandoori. Rich, aromatic, and­ spicy, tandoori has the power to elevate any dish to mouth-watering levels when blended with precision. Luckily, this month’s blend–RawSpiceBar’s Tandoori Blend–is mixed to perfection, packing enough heat and flavor to make your next meal unforgettable. But how did this spice come to be? ...

Best Fenugreek Substitute? Fenugreek seeds have a somewhat bitter taste, similar to celery, maple syrup or burnt sugar, and are often used to make medicine. However, fenugreek, like many spices has a far more pleasant taste when cooked. The seeds are the most widely used part of fenugreek, which are usually dried and ground. The leaves are often used in cooking as well. Fenugreek is used in many curry powder blends, such as garam masala, as well as in other Indian spices & blends, plus Indian dishes like chutneys. ...

Best Ancho Chili Powder Substitute? Ancho chile powder is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is one of the most popular spices in the region, part of its ‘holy trinity’ -- this powder has moderate heat and is made from dried and ground poblano chiles. This spice is usually used in sauces, salsa, and most especially Mole. Ancho chile powder is easy to find almost anywhere. Many specialty Mexican groceries and some supermarkets may carry ancho pepper powder. This spice has a sweet and earthy flavor that imparts a fruitiness to dishe...

Best Chili Powder Substitute? Chili powder is the dried, pulverized fruit of varieties of chili peppers. Some Chili powders have an addition of other spices, called a chili powder blend. It’s used to add pungency and flavor to dishes. It’s used in many cuisines, such as Tex-Mex, Indian, Korean, and Portuguese. If you have a love for cooking, you most likely had to deal with running out of an ingredient that your recipe calls for. Most Tex-Mex dishes like tacos or Chili con Carne calls for chili powder, but what if you for...

The Best Spices for Mac and Cheese Mac and cheese is an All-American favorite served as a side or as a main course. It is delicious as is when made traditionally with cheese, butter, and milk however adding a few spices can elevate the dish. Upgrade your Mac and Cheese to the best comfort food by adding these mix of spices! Cayenne, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, and Dry Mustard This blend of spices would pack a little bit of heat and tang to your creamy mac and cheese. These spices will cut through the hearty flavor of the cheese an...

White Pepper vs. Black Pepper There is more than one type of pepper. Know the primary differences to use them effectively while cooking. A dish is never complete without its seasonings and spices. Pepper, one of the oldest spices in the world, is always a household and restaurant favorite. It was common in ancient healing practices back then due to its healing properties. Now, it’s used in almost all dishes that you can think of. Some people choose between black or white pepper purely for aesthetic purposes, depending on ...

Best Chipotle Powder Substitute? Chipotle powder is made from just one ingredient: dried, smoked jalapeno peppers. They are then crushed into powder form, in pure, simplistic flavor glory. While you're in a pinch, check out these chipotle powder substitutes. For next time, order our ground, smoked chipotle powder in all sizes - the flavor is hard to beat. Best Chipotle Powder Substitute Smoked paprika Chili powder Ancho chili powder Smoked paprika will provide a similar earthy smoke as chipotle powder. Both are made from...

Tellicherry Pepper vs. Black Pepper Second only to salt, black pepper is the world’s most widely used spice. It’s a major flavor component in the entire culinary world. Despite black peppercorns being a staple in the cupboard, there are actually many varieties of black peppercorns - two of the most popular variants are Tellicherry and Malabar peppercorns. Get new spice blends every month New global spice blend & chef created recipe each month to make a fantastic dish for your family right at home. Available in 3, 6, 9 ...

Cumin vs. Turmeric Both cumin and turmeric are widely used in curry recipes but, they are very different from each other, contrary to what people might think. What is Cumin? Cumin is a plant which is native to the Mediterranean region and its seeds are used in cooking stews, curries, and other dishes. This spice has a distinctive flavor that is earthy and sweet. Traditionally, Cumin is used to prevent muscle spasms and it is a preventative for gas. It also aids in digestion. Get new spice blends every mo...

The Best Spices for Pork Whether fried, grilled, or baked, pork is one of the most versatile meats you can easily cook, any day of the week. This is why a trusty pork seasoning should be a staple in your pantry. Pork seasoning should ideally have a good balance of heat, zest, and saltiness to complement the meat's flavor. Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Thyme This is perfect for a pan-fried pork chop recipe. The spice and almost zesty flavor of cumin will cut through the hearty flavor of the pork while...

What is Curry? What is Curry? "Curry" can mean several different things. It can refer to that classic British invention, a spice blend called 'curry powder', or to the 'curry' dish, referring to a number of saucy dishes flavored with curry powder or curry paste. The word "curry" was invented by British colonialists in the 18th century. Most likely a take on the Indian word "kari", meaning sauce. Before Columbus came to India, curry was not the intensely spicy dish we...

What does Saffron Taste Like? The Magical Allure What does Saffron Taste Like? Saffron has a subtly earthy & grassy flavor & aroma, yet sweet, similar to floral & honey. No spice is more special than saffron. With an unmistakable scent and flavor, saffron straddles sweet and savory effortlessly, and it bestows a striking golden hue on every dish it graces. A few strands of saffron will transform a long list of dishes, adding a mysterious allure to everything from risottos and milk puddings to rich curries and fish stews. Our fa...

Best Caraway Seed Substitute? If there was a spice that really packed a punch flavor-wise, it would be caraway. Caraway makes its appearance in many Asian, European and African specialties, and its complex flavor adds a lot of depth in savory and sweet dishes. A prime ingredient in different rye bread recipes, it is also a requirement in making polish sausages, Tunisian harissa and sauerkraut (among others) in order to make it authentic. But when caraway seeds are out of stock at your local grocer or spice shop, there are...

Best Bay Leaf Substitute? Bay leaf, also known as laurel leaf, is mostly used in soups and broths because it can enhance the aroma and the flavor. Now, if you are in the middle of cooking something and you realize that you have run out of bay leaves already for dinner. There’s no need to worry. If you have these following herbs sitting in your kitchen cabinet, it can act as an alternative for bay leaf. Best Bay Leaf Substitutes Best bets: Thyme or Oregano (Buy on Amazon)Basil (Buy on Amazon)Juniper berries (Buy on Ama...

Granulated Garlic vs. Garlic Powder Granulated and Powdered Garlic: Which to use? If there ever was a seasoning that people around the world avidly added to their dishes, it would be garlic. It is ever-present in both major and minor food cultures, as its irresistibly mouthwatering taste and aroma certainly livens up any dish. When fresh garlic isn’t an option, many tend to reach out for either granulated garlic or garlic powder. Curious about these spice forms? Read up to learn more about differences and similarities of both! ...