12 Essential Spices | Emeril Lagasse

Summary

This video script introduces 12 essential spices that every pantry should stock, starting with the staple salt and black peppercorns for fresh flavor. It highlights thyme and oregano for their versatility in creole cooking, and the importance of bay leaf in such cuisines. Cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper bring heat, while paprika offers both sweet and smoked options. Chili powder, with its range of heat and flavor, is perfect for Mexican dishes. Cumin is praised for its bean-enhancing properties, and the video concludes with emerald's original seasoning and celery salt, emphasizing their 'magic' in elevating dishes.

Takeaways

• 🧂 Salt is the first essential spice and a staple in every pantry.
• 🌶 Freshly cracked black peppercorns are preferred for their flavor, especially in a pepper mill.
• 🌿 Thyme is versatile and crucial for creole cooking, with dry thyme being a pantry essential.
• 🍞 Dry oregano is a multi-purpose spice, suitable for bread, pizza, and red sauces.
• 🌿 Bay leaf, from the laurel tree, is a key ingredient in creole cooking.
• 🌶 Cayenne pepper is an essential spice in both creole and cajun cuisine.
• 🌶 Crushed red pepper, also known as chili flakes, adds a spicy kick to dishes.
• 🌶 Paprika comes in sweet, hot, and smoked varieties, each with distinct flavor profiles.
• 🌶 Chili powder is a blend of ground chilies with a range of heat levels and flavors.
• 🌾 Cumin is a favorite for bean dishes and pairs well with other creole seasonings.
• 🍃 Celery salt is a unique and flavorful addition to the list of essential spices.

Q & A

What is the first essential spice mentioned in the video script?

The first essential spice mentioned is salt.

Why does the speaker prefer using black peppercorns in a pepper mill?

The speaker prefers black peppercorns in a pepper mill to have fresh cracked black pepper.

What is the significance of thyme in the script?

Thyme is highlighted as an essential spice, especially for a lot of creole cooking.

How is dry oregano versatile according to the script?

Dry oregano is versatile as it can be used on bread, pizza, and in red sauce.

What is the source of bay leaf mentioned in the script?

The bay leaf comes from the laurel tree and is crucial in creole cooking.

Why is cayenne pepper considered an essential spice in the script?

Cayenne pepper is essential not only in creole but also in cajun food.

What are the different types of paprika mentioned in the script?

The script mentions sweet paprika, hot paprika, and smoked paprika, also labeled as pimenton.

What does chili powder represent in the script?

Chili powder represents a blend of chilies ground to different heat levels with various flavor profiles, some of which could be smoked.

Why does the speaker enjoy using cumin according to the script?

The speaker enjoys using cumin for making beans and highlights it as a favorite for its use in various dishes.

What is the 'emerald magic' referred to in the script?

The 'emerald magic' referred to in the script is celery salt, which is considered an essential spice.

What is the overall theme of the video script?

The overall theme of the video script is listing and explaining the 12 essential spices that everyone should have in their pantry.