After getting more info on the 10 spice list I asked for a few more good options. I’m not a fan of garlic but everything else I am willing to try. I do have 12 tins to fill in my spice box.
I really enjoy trying to be better, healthier, more productive, stronger. I can’t even imagine getting up each morning and just accepting who I am.
Yesterday I didn’t eat spices or know anything about cooking with them.
Today I am trying new recipes, pulling out my unused spices, creating a spice box and learning a bit about the benefits of spices and herbs. All this because I read a newsletter urging me to change. I love growing and changing. Our brains are built for creativity, innovation and problem solving. I love trying to be better.
Cheers,
Val
Here is the second list of herbs and spices from Chat GPT. If your AI knows something about you, you can get examples that suit your tastes.
Me:
Are there a few more common ones I could add?
ChatGPT:
Yes — there are a few very common herbs and spices that pair naturally with the ones you already like and would greatly expand your combinations without making cooking more complicated.
Core additions that fit your style
Garlic
Garlic connects almost all your savoury herbs and spices.
Works with:
Turmeric
Rosemary
Oregano
Chili
Ginger
Black pepper
Easy uses:
Eggs
Rice
Roast vegetables
Chicken
Soup
Cumin
Warm, earthy, grounding. Excellent with turmeric and chili.
Great combinations:
Cumin + turmeric + ginger
Cumin + oregano + chili
Cumin + cinnamon in mince dishes
Works especially well in:
Lentils
Beef
Rice
Pumpkin
Beans
Paprika (sweet or smoked)
Probably the easiest “make everything better” spice.
Adds warmth without much heat.
Perfect with:
Rosemary
Oregano
Garlic
Chili
Black pepper
Best uses:
Potatoes
Eggs
Chicken
Roasted vegetables
Smoked paprika especially makes simple food taste richer.
Thyme
If you like rosemary and oregano, thyme fits naturally between them.
Gentler and softer.
Excellent in:
Soups
Chicken
Potatoes
Beans
Tomato dishes
Great combinations:
Thyme + rosemary
Thyme + garlic + black pepper
Thyme + oregano
Parsley
Adds freshness and balance to all the warm spices.
Very useful if meals start feeling too heavy.
Works with almost everything:
Eggs
Rice
Soups
Chicken
Potatoes
Especially good with:
Lemon
Garlic
Oregano
A few optional “next level” additions
Nutmeg
Tiny amounts in:
Oats
Pumpkin
White sauces
Spinach
Coffee
Pairs beautifully with cinnamon and cloves.
Bay leaves
Very useful in:
Soups
Rice
Slow cooked dishes
Lentils
Adds subtle depth without effort.
Coriander (ground or fresh)
Ground coriander is warm and citrusy.
Fresh coriander brightens chili and ginger dishes.
Dill
Excellent with:
Yogurt
Potatoes
Fish
Cucumber
Very calming and fresh tasting.
If you wanted the “most useful” additions
I’d probably choose:
Garlic
Cumin
Paprika
Thyme
Parsley
Those five would multiply the usefulness of the spices you already love and make it easy to create:
Mediterranean flavours
Indian-inspired flavours
Middle Eastern flavours
Comfort food flavours
Fresh herb flavours
without needing dozens of ingredients.