When one spice is good, two spices are (sometimes) better! Combining complementary spices can balance flavors, accentuate nuances, and layer and meld the many ingredients of a dish. Some of the world’s most iconic and beloved flavors come from different spice blends, from curries to ketchup.

Making your spice blend can be as simple as combining your preferred ratios of salt and pepper. Or you can explore recipes for global classics like garam masala, za’atar, ras el hanout, and thousands of others. If you’re feeling creative, experiment with your own combinations! Open up your spice cabinet and imagine how you might combine aromatic, sweet, earthy, smoky, and hot flavors to find your perfect balance.

TRY IT OUT

BASIC

Combine equal parts black Urfa chili and cured sumac, and sprinkle on toast with chopped avocado.

Why it works: Spices can brighten up rich, creamy ingredients like avocado, coconut, or peanut butter.

ADVANCED

Choose one hot spice (black pepper,white pepper, chili flakes), one sweetspice (cinnamon, cloves, allspice), and one aromatic spice (cardamom, star anise, saffron) and grind together in approximately equal parts. Cook with rice or another grain.

Why it works: Adding spices to the cooking liquid infuses rice and other grains with flavor and aroma.

TECHNIQUES