SUMMER SPICES AND HERBS
Summer is finally here and we bring to you the Summer Spices and Herbs that are aromatic, refreshing, and unforgettable! Here at Spice Station is your one-stop shop for unrivaled selections of spices and herbs from around the country, the world, and for every cuisine conceivable.
You want to put your culinary skills on display, so what better way is there than to dabble in the art of presenting flavorful foods with every dish, at every sitting.
Spices we can’t live without
VANILLA BEAN
Vanilla bean is an extraordinary summer spice as a blastoff in the morning with oatmeal (or in a fruity smoothie), sweetened with maple syrup, or honey.
Medicinal Benefits
-The vanilla bean is a reliable source of essential oils, vitamins, and minerals that include antibacterial properties.
-It supports the nervous system, and regulates the body’s metabolism.
-Lowers stress and depression.
-Works well as an antioxidant.
NUTMEG
It’s easy to know where to begin on the subject of nutmeg! The positive findings of this incredibly celebrated summer spice are numerous. It’s a favorite in breakfast dishes, and in other sweet or savory dishes.
Medicinal Benefits
-Many studies have proven that nutmeg’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties provide relief from toothache pain; halistosis (bad beath),
-Because of the potency of its oils, nutmeg aids in the relief of cough, colds, gastrointestinal diseases, and other maladies.
GINGER
One great way to enliven your smoothies is with this freshly grated summer spice–ginger!
Awaken the flavors of your Asian, European, and other dishes, soups, potatoes, baked sweet or savory delights.
Medicinal Benefits
-Ginger is popularly known for its relief of nausea.
-Removes toxins from your body.
-It is regarded as an overall health booster.
Summer herbs that brighten our days
CHAMOMILE BLOSSOMS
These delicate and versatile blossoms are bursting with goodness for both your inner and outer health. The pleasant aroma of this summer herb is not intrusive but seems to blend well with other herbs. Chamomile is a versatile herb and its popularity for beauty and health dates back to ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. It is also used in some desserts and drinks.
Medicinal benefits
-Famously known to calm the nerves and allows a good night sleep.
-It can be added to strawberry smoothies for a calming and enjoyable drink that can minimize stress.
-Controls allergies such as eye itchiness when used as an eye wash, and when used as a steam can ease nose stuffiness.
MINT
What looks more inviting than a sprig of mint leaves attached to the glass that’s holding your favorite drinks! Just rubbing a couple of mint leaves together in your hand and inhaling the aroma is so refreshing. It is a savored summer herb in most cuisines around the globe for its use in the following:
-Making delicious ice creams, mint julep, mojitos, smoothies, cookies, and candies; hot mint tea and hot, creamy mint chocolate
-Sauces, stews, grilled salmon, buttered beans, and salads
-Dishes like leg of lamb, veal, steak, and poultry
Medicinal Benefits
-Mint is often used as an aid to the common cold, relieves headaches, eases the discomfort of asthma, and promotes a healthy digestive system.
-Research shows that it may improve brain function.
-It is well known for its effects in improving breath freshness.
-Mint is rich in nutrients such as Vitamin A, Iron, Manganese, and Folate.
THYME
Thyme is highly prized for its longevity in the chef’s kitchen. The aroma of this summer herb stands out among many of its counterparts as a source of providing distinguished flavor to delicious meat and seafood dishes. The nutritional values it provides are lengthy. Here are some:
-Calcium
-Carotene
-Iron
-Manganese
-Protein
-Vitamins A and C
Medicinal Benefits
-Works as a guard against chronic inflammation in the body.
-Remedies coughs, colds, sore throats.
-Promotes bone health, prevents the risk of bone diseases.
-Rich potassium content, which controls the rise of blood pressure.
ROSEMARY
This long recognized and favorite summer herb lives up to the standards of culinary expectations. Rosemary is the seasoning for a variety of well-known recipes and exudes a pungent aroma that satisfies the longings of those who crave well prepared dishes such as:
-Steaks
-Chicken
-Seafood and pork
-Casseroles
-Pizza
-Soups
-Salads
Medicinal Benefits
-It is well known and recommended for stimulating brain functioning and improving the memory.
-Aids in improving and treating digestion.
-Studies have suggested that rosemary combats damage to the brain and nervous system.
-Can improve mood and concentration.
-High in antioxidants.
These summer spices and herbs can be found at Spice Station.
Fajitas, how did they become popular?
Some history on a well-loved Mexican dish, Fajitas.
Currently, the Fajita meal is prevalent in all Mexican or Tex-Mexican restaurants. The meat can vary from steak to chicken or seafood. Also, some places have vegetable Fajitas. Notably, when the dish first came into existence, it was considered as an unwanted part of a cow, which is the skirt steak. The word Fajita has a Spanish origin from “Faja,” which refers to girdle, hence the word Fajita means a “little strap.”
How did Fajitas get its Start?
Fajitas were initially created at the end of the 1930s and beginning of the 1940s by Mexican ranch workers that were located in Texas. There were instances where the workers were paid with meat, which consisted of the least wanted parts like the head, entrails together with skirt steak. The workers taught themselves how to turn these undesirable parts of meat into a meal that can be consumed by serving the grilled marinated meat on tortillas.
Since then, the dish has frequently been served as a backyard and campfire dish. It was passed down from one generation to another but had no intention of making it a significant meal in restaurants.
Popularity
At the end of the 1960s, Sonny Falcon worked at Guajardo’s Cash Grocery as a meat market manager and started trying out some experiments with the meat. In a festival in 1969, he set up a Fajita stand and sold them to the crowd.
Around the same time, other restaurants placed Fajitas on their Menu. After a short period, Ninfa Rodriguez established her restaurant and served traditional dishes such as Fajitas.
Fame
FameThe 1970s became an excellent year for the Fajitas since they were sold in many restaurants, and it gained a lot of customers. Chefs started cooking Fajitas but changed the recipe a little bit and opted to use the soft sirloin section as an alternative to the initial skirt steak.
The dish has advanced and incorporated other meats such as shrimp or chicken, together with vegetables. It is commonly served in most restaurants together with toasty tortillas and also a mountain of sides. It is also commonly known to be served on a sizzling hot plate, to keep everything warm.
You are probably wondering where you can get some tasty Fajitas after reading about them. Almost any Mexican restaurant has them on the menu, but why not make them at home? With our Fajita blend, you will not be disappointed! Season any type of meat or vegetables with it, even beans as well!
Grilling the Perfect Steak Using Our Spice Blends
Ways of Grilling the Perfect Steak
Typically, during the summer season, the grill comes on and people spend more time outside. Grilling steak is one of American’s favorite summer things to do. No one wants a bland steak, they want a juicy flavorful steak. May we suggest seasoning it with our Montreal Steak Spice to blow your tastebuds away. Read on for ideas on how to up your grilling game to make the most perfect tasting seasoned steak.
Selecting the Steak
Make sure that you consider the cuts of your steak. It is vital to select the best steak for the perfect marinade. Understand that there are various cuts of steak that are best for grilling. Some come with bones while others do not. Below are some of the cuts of steak:
• Tenderloin or Filet. This cut has no bones and is the most tender as well as the most expensive.
• Sirloin. This is usually a big cut of steak and can either have bones or not.
• New York. Usually have no bones and have excellent beef flavor.
• Porterhouse and T-bone. Have huge bones and are best for grilling.
Season the Steak
You have chosen your steak, brought it home, now is the time to marinate it to be prepared for the grill. While some people just like the simplicity of salt and pepper to marinate the steak, our Montreal Steak Spice will delight your palate. We use the freshest spices for the boldest flavors. This blend of Montreal Steak Spice usually includes ingredients such as pepper, salt, coriander, dill, mustard seeds, dehydrated garlic and onions, red pepper flakes, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and caraway seeds. Rub it into the steak on all sides and let it sit for about an hour at room temperature before putting it on the grill.
Tips for Grilling the and adding the Perfect Marinade
• First, turn on your grill. Make it hot as you can. Perfect heat gives the meat color and that color enhances the flavors.
• Secondly, spray the grill with oil a bit. This ensures that it does not stick. Then put your steak on the grill.
• After doing that leave your steak alone. Ensure that you are not poking or flattening it. You will turn it just once with tongs.
• Then time your steak right. Depending on your cut of steak and how you like it, cook your steak for about three to four minutes on each side. You can also use a thermometer where the rare ranges at 125 degrees, medium-rare is around 130 degrees, medium is about 135, medium-well is 140 while well done is above 140 degrees.
• Finally, take your perfectly seasoned and grilled steak off from the grill. Once you do that allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before enjoying it.
Happy Grilling!
Japanese curry, also known as Kare Raisu, simple and delicious!
What is Kare Raisu, also known as Japanese Curry?
Although it may be unexpected to find curry on a Japanese menu, kare raisu, a thick and hearty stew, is actually one of the most popular entrees in the country. It was in the mid-1800s that the British introduced curry to Japan, finding it themselves in the former British colony of India. If you enjoy curry, it is easy to see why this Japanese comfort food is so well liked.
Like in any other curry, the heat level of kare raisu can be tailored to your particular tastes. It is a nice robust curry that can have any combination of delicious ingredients, so it can also be made to suit any occasion. While a commercially available ‘curry powder’ is available in Japanese grocery stores, more adventurous home chefs prefer to mix their own blend of spices.
If you have decided that you want to make this dish at home, know that this Japanese comfort food can be easily customized to your palette, and can use any ingredients you might have. It generally contains a multitude of vegetables and your meat of choice is served over rice. The rice serves to soak up the gravy and was crucial in past ages to fill a person’s belly. We are giving you a recipe for a very basic style of this stew, using the ever-popular chicken. It is worthwhile to note that a single package of curry tablets from the grocery store will generally make one pot of the stew. However, it can be used for a lot of different recipes.
Kare Raisu
– 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-size pieces.
– 2 chopped carrots.
– 2 chopped potatoes
– 1 chopped onion
– 2 cups water
– 2-3 tablespoons Kare Raisu blend
Instructions:
1. Saute meat and vegetables over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until soft.
2. Pour in water.
3. Bring to a boil then remove the pan from heat and add curry, stirring constantly with a spoon.
4. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
5. Serve over white rice, garnished with minced shallots, parsley or crunchy radish.
Our Kare Raisu is some of the best flavors you will ever taste.
Best Carne Asada Recipe with Cumin
Best Carne Asada recipe with Cumin!
Best Carne Asada Recipe with Cumin
Equipment
- Refrigerator
- Grill
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp cilantro
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp pepper
- 6 oz skirt steak
Instructions
- Buy the steak
- Mix seasonings
- Add seasonings
- Grill the steak
Video
Notes
Carne asada includes a few different spices and some other clean ingredients. This recipe is an altered version of a recipe that was created by a well-known chef. However, it has been simplified to a version where it is best to replicate at home.
The best recipe for carne asada always includes cumin. It also includes marinated flank steaks or skirt steaks that are grilled to perfection. It is best to grill the meat after letting it sit and marinate in your choice of spices. That will make it packed full of authentic Mexican flavors. It is all in the marinade, make sure to marinate your choice of steak in a delicious mixture of flavors including cumin. When marinating your steak, it is best to refrigerate it for at least two hours before cooking. You want to create a delicious piece of meat that you can put in a burrito, on a taco, on a salad, or just eat it plain. You want to make sure that your steak can hold its own and be able to satisfy your taste buds with the delicious flavors.
As previously mentioned, the best type of steak to use when cooking carne asada is a delicious skirt steak or a flank steak. Both of these types of steaks are well-trimmed and of similar size, so they can be utilized interchangeably. Just keep in mind that flank steak is the lean version full of intense flavors while a skirt steak is more stringy and fibrous but also full of intense flavors. Both flank steaks and skirt steaks are ideally cooked at a rare or medium-rare amount in order to prevent them from becoming chewy and too tough to bite into. Also, be sure to cut your choice of steak against the grain, this will make it easier to bite into and to chew.
A few simple ingredients in the marinade: Olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. That is it! Make sure you let it sit covered in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, then grill for about 5 minutes on each side. Enjoy!
Learn more about our spices here.
Tourtière à la Spice Station
Tourtiere Spice Blend, a holiday delight.
Tourtière is the classic holiday meat pie of Canada’s Québécois people.
Spicy Pork Wrap Recipe With Creamy Coleslaw
Our Spicy Pork Wrap Recipe with creamy coleslaw is a savory dish you can prepare as an appetizer or make as a meal that is sure to please your guests.
Citrus Steak Marinade Recipe
Try this Citrus Steak Marinade guaranteed to make your mouth melt!
This to-die-for Citrus Steak Marinade recipe adds an unique and tangy flavor to beef! All it takes is some great fresh ingredients and a quick 30-minute marinade your you’re off to the races!
