Herbs and spices are full of antioxidants and nutrients. They add rich flavors to your favorite dishes.
The holidays make it hard to resist salty, sugary, and fatty foods. After all, those dishes bring comfort and nostalgia, especially during tough times like a pandemic.
But don’t overindulge. It’s fine to enjoy a small slice of pie or a bite of buttery potatoes, but too much can lead to weight gain and health issues like high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Instead, skip the heavy ingredients like butter and sugar. Use herbs and spices to flavor your food instead!
Nature’s spices do more than add flavor and color. Many are packed with antioxidants and compounds that can help balance blood sugar, boost mood, and reduce inflammation.
Boost Holiday Flavors with Spices
Add flavor and health holidays to your meals with these herbs and spices. Mix and match to create new combinations and enjoy their benefits year-round.
Allspice: Great in breads, desserts, cereals, soups, grains, and veggies.
Basil: Perfect for salads, pesto, pasta, and sandwiches.
Cardamom: Ideal for breads, baked goods, and curries.
Cilantro: Adds zing to Mexican, Thai, and Indian dishes.
Cinnamon: Delicious in fruit, desserts, breads, and savory dishes.
Clove: Works in baked goods, veggie, and bean dishes.
Cumin: Key for Mexican, Indian, and chili recipes.
Dill: Try it in potatoes, eggs, salads, and dips.
Garlic: Use in soups, pasta, dressings, and veggies.
Ginger: Adds warmth to stir-fries, stews, drinks, and desserts.
Marjoram: Great in soups, potatoes, grains, and beans.
Mint: Freshens up salads, fruits, drinks, and marinades.
Nutmeg: Pairs with fruits, baked goods, and veggies.
Oregano: Perfect for Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
Parsley: Lightens up soups, salads, and sauces.
Pepper: Adds spice to soups, grains, and veggies.
Rosemary: Amazing in salads, vinaigrettes, and pasta.
Sage: Great in breads, soups, and stuffing.
Tarragon: Perfect for marinades, sauces, and beans.
Thyme: Use in tomato dishes, soups, and veggies.
Turmeric: A must for curries, soups, and veggie dishes.
Experiment and enjoy!
Conclusion
Herbs and spices are the perfect way to elevate your holiday dishes with bold flavors and health benefits. By experimenting with different combinations, you can create meals that are both delicious and nourishing. Best of all, these flavor-packed additions can be enjoyed all year round—making every dish a little more special!