What Spices Go Well With Vegetables

Are you wondering about what spices and herbs go well with vegetables to make them taste good? This article breaks down herbs and spices for vegetables to enhance their flavour.  Also, make sure to save this post so that you can pull it up on your tablet or phone next time you are preparing food!

We all know that eating more vegetables is good for us. However, the biggest obstacle to eat more veggies is their taste. Though some of us like vegetables with minimal or no seasoning, most people find them boring.

However, like any other food, it is easy to enhance the flavour of veggies and how they taste. Knowing what spices go well with vegetables can make ordinary vegetable dishes extraordinary. Cooking veggies with traditional spices, such as salt, onion, garlic, and pepper, is common, but what about other herbs and spices for vegetables?

There are plenty of herbs and spices that go well with vegetables, and knowing which one to use is a daunting task. This guide will help you learn about matching different herbs and spices for vegetables to prepare delicious veggie dishes.

So, let’s get started!

Spices and Herbs for Vegetables

1.      Artichokes

If you have picked up an artichoke from your local grocery store, do not feel intimated by this globe-shaped vegetable. There are numerous ways you can cook it to provide various structures. For example, you can bake, boil, grill, deep-fry, braise, steam, or roast an artichoke.

The best time to buy artichokes is from spring to early autumn. It is because they will be fresh and will provide great flavour. However, you can also buy marinated or canned artichokes when they are not in season. Here are spices and herbs that go well with vegetables like artichokes.

Artichokes Spice Flavour Pairing	Artichokes Herbs Flavour Pairing
Coriander	Basil
Saffron	Bay Leaf
Black Truffles	Chives
Pepper (White or Black)	Chervil
Salt	Mint

 

2.      Asparagus

Asparagus is a tasty vegetable itself. It can be cooked in various ways or eaten raw, which makes it a versatile vegetable. There are plenty of herbs and spices that go well with vegetables like asparagus. The vegetable can be white or green.

Green asparagus is rich in asparagine, which makes it flavour intense with a nutty aftertaste. On the flip, white asparagus has a mild taste with a bitter finish, so it has to be peeled before consumption. Here are spices and herbs that go well with vegetables like asparagus.

Asparagus Spice Flavour Pairing	Asparagus Herbs Flavour Pairing
Smoked Paprika	Chives
Garlic	Lemon Balm
Chipotle Chili and Cumin	Dill
Cayenne	Tarragon
Chili Powder	Rosemary

 

3.      Beets

Beetroots or commonly known as beets are a great root vegetable that is used in various cuisines all across the world. They are rich in essential minerals, vitamins, and plant compounds (some have medicinal properties). In addition, they are so delicious, so you can easily add them to your diet plan.

Moreover, they also taste great with other root veggies, such as radishes, onion, carrot, and other greens, such as celery, cabbage, arugula, fennel, cucumber, scallions, spinach, etc. Also, they are one of the treasures of the vegetable world. They can be eaten raw, roasted with goat cheese, pickled as a dessert, or in a salad.

Here are the herbs and spices that go well with vegetables like beets!

Spices for Beets	Herbs for Beets
Allspice	Dill
Cumin	Parsley
Pepper	Basil
Paprika	Mint
Cinnamon	Thyme
Caraway Seeds	Tarragon

 

4.      Broccoli

Broccoli, broccoli rabe, or broccolini are grassy, verdant veggies. We do not appreciate this vegetable until we reach adulthood. The vegetables are versatile so that you can use almost any spice or herb with them. You can make it spicy, creamy, or cheesy.

Moreover, broccoli is also an excellent option for any diet. If you are concerned about calories, try eating steam broccoli. If you are watching your carbs, try broccoli cheese soap, which has low carbohydrates. All in all, in almost any recipe, this veggie will warmly welcome whatever herb or spice you choose.

Some common herbs and spices for vegetables that you can use with broccoli include:

Spices for Broccoli	Herbs for Broccoli
Allspice	Sage
Curry	Basil
Pepper	Oregano
Ginger	Bay Leaf
Mustard	Tarragon
Cayenne	Savoury
Caraway Seeds	Thyme

 

5.      Carrots

Carrots (Daucus Carota) are naturally sweet and can pair well with both solid and mild flavours. They are considered the perfect healthy food. They are tasty, crunchy, and highly nutritious. The root vegetable is an excellent source of vitamin K1, antioxidants, fibre, beta carotene, and potassium. It also offers a lot of health benefits, including weight loss and lowering cholesterol levels.

Some spices and herbs for vegetables that go well with carrots include:

Spices for Carrots	Herbs for Carrots
Cumin	Rosemary
Curry	Parsley
Garlic	Tarragon
Ginger	Dill
Cinnamon	Mint

6.      Cauliflower

Cauliflower is among the highly healthy veggies that are a great source of nutrients. It contains unique plant compounds that offer various health benefits and reduce the risks of fatal diseases, including cancer. Since it is weight loss friendly, it can easily be added to your diet plan.

The veggie has a mild taste and takes on the flavours of whatever it is prepared with. Because of its very mild taste, it goes well with various spices and herbs. Some most everyday spices and herbs for vegetables that you can use with cauliflower include:

Spices for Cauliflower	Herbs for Cauliflower
Paprika	Parsley
Coriander	Tarragon
Garlic	Mint
Ginger	Thyme
Oregano	Basil
Cumin	Dill

 

7.      Cucumber

An interesting fact about cucumbers is that they are a fruit, but consumed as a veggie. It is rich in essential nutrients and contains some plant compounds and antioxidants that can prevent or treat specific conditions. The vegetable has low calories and contains a significant amount of soluble fibre and water, making this veggie an ideal option for aiding in weight loss and promoting hydration.

Since cucumber likes to stay refreshing, it pairs well with light and refreshing spices and herbs. Some common herbs and spices that go well with vegetables such as cucumber include:

Spices for Cucumber	Herbs for Cucumber
Paprika	Parsley
Coriander	Tarragon
Sea Salt	Thyme
Sour Cream	Basil
Garlic Powder	Dill
Mustard	Chervil

 

8.      Green Beans

Green Beans or also called string beans or snap beans are a staple in kitchens around the United States. They are a popular side dish for holiday meals, family potlucks, and nightly dinners. Whether you saute them, blanch them, or eat them right from a can, this vegetable is rich with essential nutrients that you can add to your diet plan.

The vegetable does not need a lot of help, but you can pair it with herbs and spices to make them flavorful and fresh or spicy and hot. Some common herbs and spices that go well with vegetables like green beans include:

Spices for Green Beans	Herbs for Green Beans
Paprika	Parsley
Garlic	Oregano
Mustard	Thyme
Pepper	Basil
Red Pepper Flakes	Dill
Salt	Chervil

 

9.      Eggplant

The Eggplant, brinjal, or aubergine is a rich source of fibre and a range of other essential nutrients. Featuring in the Mediterranean diet, it is a low-calorie veggie. Eggplants that are dark purple and large are the most familiar, but the size, shape, and colour can vary from small to extended and oblong to thin. Similarly, their colour can vary from purple to white or green.

This delicious vegetal can provide up to 6% of a person’s daily needs of copper, fibre, B-6, manganese and thiamine. Moreover, they are also a great source of phenolic compounds that are antioxidants. Though this veggie is flavorful on its own, you can make it taste even better with strong spices and herbs. Here are some spices and herbs that go well with vegetables like Eggplant.

Spices for Eggplant	Herbs for Eggplant
Paprika	Parsley
Garlic	Oregano
Ginger	Thyme
Pepper	Basil
Red Pepper Flakes	mint

10.  Mushrooms

Mushrooms are meaty, rich, and earthy and come in various sizes, shapes, and colours. The consumable ones are happened to be quite tasty and healthy. For years, they have been used to add flavours to various cultures’ cuisines. Though they are fungi, they’re lumped in the veggie category. You can use mushrooms to add extra taste without fat or sodium.

However, there are poisonous mushrooms as well that are hard to identify in the wild. So, it is necessary to buy them from a reliable grocery shop. They have different types, and each of them has its look and taste. Moreover, when buying mushrooms, make sure they are not moist to touch, feel firm, and are mould-free.

Some common herbs and spices for vegetables like mushrooms include:

Spices for Mushrooms	Herbs for Mushrooms
Red Pepper Flakes	Coriander
Garlic	Oregano
Ginger	Thyme
Pepper	Basil
Curry	Rosemary

 

11.  Potatoes

Like broccoli, potatoes are also a versatile veggie that goes well with just about anything. In fact, with just salt and pepper, they taste wonderful on their own. There are so many textures, varieties, and flavours they are outstanding with tons of cuisines. From swimming in Indian spices and curries to adorning robust British dishes, potatoes are always a popular option.

Some common herbs and spices that go well with vegetables like potatoes include:

Spices for Potatoes	Herbs for Potatoes
Oregano	Mint
Chilli flakes	Chives
Cumin	Dill
Paprika	Parsley
Curry	Thyme
Mustard	Basil

 

12.  Peas

Green peas or garden peas are tiny spherical seeds. Peas are among the popular vegetables that offer good nutrition. In fact, both contain many antioxidants and fiber. Frankly speaking, peas belong to the legume family. Legumes, plants that produce pods, often fall into the vegetable category with people.

In fact, they are commonly sold and cooked as a veggie. Although you might find peas readily available canned, opt instead for fresh or frozen varieties for the best flavour and nutrition. Because of their mild and a little sweet taste, they pair with several herbs and spices. Some herbs and vegetables for vegetables that you can use for peas to lighten up their taste include:

Spices for Peas	Herbs for Peas
Oregano	Nutmeg
Chilli flakes	Sage
Black Pepper	Dill
Paprika	Parsley
Curry	Thyme
Mustard	Basil

13.  Spinach

When talking about superfoods, spinach boasts among the ones most loaded with plenty of nutrients in a package with low calories. Considered leafy greens, dark spinach offers essential nutrients for hair, skin, and bones. Moreover, contains a rich source of other essentials, such as minerals, vitamins, iron, and protein.

Since the veggie delivers a strong flavour, it performs well with spices and herbs that are strong. Although you will find various spices that to use, consider pairing spinach to lighten up its taste, including:

Spices for Spinach	Herbs for Spinach
Oregano	Nutmeg
Chilli flakes	Chives
Ginger	Dill
Garlic	Parsley
Red Pepper Flakes	Nutmeg
Allspice	Basil

 

14.  Zucchini

Zucchini or also known as courgette belongs to the Cucurbitaceae plant family. Though zucchini is botanically categorized as a fruit, it is often considered as a veggie. It has various varieties and has different colours, ranging from dark green to deep yellow. Since its taste is very mild, it quickly takes on the flavour of whatever it cooks with.

Some common herbs and spices for vegetables that you can use with zucchini include:

Spices for Zucchini	Herbs for Zucchini
Onions	Parsley
Red Pepper Flakes	Chives
Ginger	Dill
Garlic	Oregano
Chilli Flakes	Basil
Marjoram	Thyme

 

15.  Radishes

Radishes are root veggies with crunchy flesh, light-coloured, variable skin, and peppery, spicy taste. Their shape varies from long to short and long to narrow, while the skin can be black, red, pink, yellow, white, or purple. Radishes may not be the popular veggies, but they are among the healthiest.

These underrated veggies contain a significant amount of nutrients that may prevent some conditions as well. You can enhance their flavour by adding herbs and spices that go well with vegetables. Moreover, they can also be eaten raw or used to make Indian radish pickle. Some herbs and spices for radishes include:

Spices for Radishes	Herbs for Radishes
Garlic	Chives
Red Pepper Flakes	Basil
Ginger	Dill
Sea Salt	Parsley
Chilli Flakes	Mint
Chilli Flakes	Thyme

 

Wrapping Up

That is all about herbs and spices that go well with vegetables. Preparing veggies with the right herbs and spices can make them taste even more delicious. Herbs like cumin, dill, cinnamon, lemongrass, parsley, thyme, etc., are commonly used to add flavours. I hope the above post will help you cook vegetables and enhance their flavour by adding the right herbs and spices.

 

Read More:

 

Essential Spices for cooking

 

Best Spice Rack Organizer

 

Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe