Toasting spices brings out the essential oils and deeper flavours. Grinding herbs is a common way to use them in recipes and they’ll both add exciting flavours to your dishes.
Step 1: Place Spices in the Skillet
We'll start with a frequently used herb and spice blend of bay leaves, coriander and cumin seeds. First, put the spices in a skillet. Bay leaves are actually a dried herb that you'll find on the spice rack. Cast iron works best because of the way it transfers heat.
Step 2: Shake the Herbs
Now give them a shake so they don't burn. When you start to smell them, they're done.
Step 3: Let Them Cool
Cool the spices slightly before grinding.
Step 4: Toast Spices Separately
Toast the spices separately for the best results. They are different sizes and textures, which means they toast at different rates. Remember to cool them before grinding.
Step 5: Grinding Spices
There are two easy ways to grind spices. Either use a mortar and pestle orr use a spice grinder. When grinding spices that are similar in size, grind them together and save a step.
Tip: Cumin, coriander and bay leaves are often used together in many cuisines.
Step 6: Add Flavour
Then use them as your recipe indicates. Either way, you've just punched up the flavour to a whole new level.
