The Only 7 Spices You Really Need in Your Pantry

Everyday All-Stars

Along with salt, your kitchen needs the following spices. Store them in airtight containers, out of direct heat and light. And shop small. A 2-ounce vessel is plenty.

Crushed Red Pepper

This is the most versatile way to add heat. Stir into hot oil at the start of cooking to diffuse its kick.

Bay Leaves

One leaf's delicate, herbal qualities add dimension to a simmering sauce or broth.

Ground Cinnamon

Yes, it gives desserts a warming, nostalgic touch, but it does the same to savory dishes. Combine a pinch with ground coriander and cumin in a chickpea stew.

Ground Coriander

Subtle, sweet, bright, and reminiscent of lemon, it's often used in Mediterranean soups and stews. Pair it with aromatic cumin for an added layer of flavor.

Ground Cumin

Popular in Latin American dishes and curry powders, it enhances the earthiness of beans and legumes with its unique, slightly bitter taste. Add a pinch to season veggie or meat patties.

Chili Powder

Not just for a big pot of chili, this blend (which can include dried chiles, garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, and cloves) delivers a concentrated seasoning. Rub onto a steak before grilling.

Black Peppercorns

Simply put, peppercorns are always most lively when freshly ground. Keep Tellicherry peppercorns on hand to refill a pepper grinder, and you'll never go back to buying preground.

Bonus: International Seasoning Blends

These days, global blends are readily available at grocery stores from brands like McCormick, or via online order from shops like the Spice House (thespicehouse.com).

Berbere

Toss this Ethiopian mix of cardamom, coriander, fenugreek, garlic, and red pepper (among other ingredients) with veggies before roasting.

Za'atar

This Middle Eastern blend (usually containing sesame seeds, thyme, sumac, and marjoram) is zesty yet nutty. Dust over steak or eggs, or mix with olive oil or yogurt for a dip.

Shichimi Togarashi

Shake this spicy Japanese blend, which often includes chiles, sesame seeds, seaweed, and orange peel, over rice or grilled chicken.

Ras el Hanout

This rich Moroccan blend can contain as many as 50 (!) ingredients, including ginger, allspice, turmeric, and cardamom. Try a dash in a pot of couscous or stir into ground lamb as it cooks.