Many people don’t like the idea of a vegan diet because of the notion that everything in this diet is dull and bland. However, many also didn’t know that a plant-based diet can be made satisfying with the right spice and blend.
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There are many spices out there that you can add to your dish, but below are the top spices that can completely transform your vegan recipe into a completely whole new level.
#1. Black Salt
Black salt, known initially as Kala Namak, is an Indian rock salt with high sulfur content. As a rock, this salt appears to be deep-purplish to black but becomes pink when ground, thus, the so-called Himalayan pink salt.
This spice is a must-have for vegan dieters not only for its health benefits but also because of its taste and smell.
Due to its low sodium content, black salt is helpful to those with high blood pressure. This is also deemed to be therapeutic, especially during ancient times, and is presently used as a laxative and an aid to digestive problems.
Black salt also recreates the smell and taste of eggs, that is why it is an excellent addition to your egg-free dishes, like tofu scramble. This spice can be added to practically any dish such as salads, stews and stir-fry.
#2. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is very popular in Asian cuisines and it’s made from a fermented soybean paste. Depending on the types and brands of soy sauce you choose, the taste can be light or very salty. Soy sauce is low in carbohydrates, which makes it a great ingredient for your keto-friendly dishes.
Soy sauce has a dark color which gives it a perfect texture for your dishes such as fried rice, vegetable stir-fry, or noodles It ca also be used as a dipped sauce.
If you run out of soy sauce, there are a few vegan-friendly options you can use such as coconut aminos and tamari, which are perfect substitutes for soy sauce.
#3. Cumin
Made from the dried seed of the plant, Cuminum cyminum of the parsley family, cumin is one of the world’s most popular spices common among Indian and Mexican cuisines. You can use it in many dishes such as vegan chili.
This spice is famous not just for its unique flavor but also because of its nutritional benefits, particularly its antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic properties. It also aids proper digestion and a rich source of iron, magnesium, and other vitamins.
The seeds, which can be used whole or ground, adds a warm, sometimes nutty, and earthy flavor and aroma to dishes. This spice will completely transform your vegan recipe, especially if you want a combined effect of spiciness, bitterness, and sweetness.
Cumin is typically added to chili powder, so there’s no doubt why it’s one of the most popular spices in the world. Cumin also goes well with other spices like pepper, garam masala, curry powder, etc.
#4. Nutritional Yeast
A deactivated yeast, nutritional yeast comes from a single-celled organism called Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, typically grown on molasses. Because it is deactivated or inactive, it does not share the same leavening property with baking yeast. Thus, food does not grow even with the use of this additive.
Nutritional yeast is also hugely beneficial for people observing a vegan diet because of its ability to restore vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency subsequently leads to weakness and fatigue, so consuming nutritional yeast is ideal for helping you boost your energy.
Additionally, this spice has a cheesy and nutty flavor in it, so it can be a great alternative to parmesan cheese. It can also make your nacho cheese dip come to life even without the dairy in it.
#5. Old Bay Seasoning
Made by Gustav Brunn, a German refugee who came to Maryland in 1939, old bay seasoning is a blend of 18 spices but only lists celery seed, salt, spices, red pepper, black pepper, and paprika in its can.
Old bay seasoning is called a “definitive seafood spice” as it is practically added to any dish with seafood in it.
Of course, vegan dieters wouldn’t want seafood in their meals, but this spice is practically a must-have if you’re going to mimic or recreate the taste and flavor of fish or other seafood without having to add one.
#6. Peppercorns
Claimed to be the world’s most popular spice, peppercorns are derived from the fruits of a flowering vine in the Piperaceae family, and surprisingly contains an exceptional amount of vitamins for a spice.
Black pepper, which is the most popular variation of peppercorn, is made by cooking and drying the unripe fruits.
This spice can be hot and pungent but is most notable because of its rich and complex flavor. It is typically added to almost any dish that needs flavor and aroma.
#7. Turmeric
A member of the ginger family, turmeric is used both fresh and in powder form. It has a combined flavor of pepper and ginger and is most commonly used in Indian and Thai cuisines. Most of the time, turmeric is also used to replace saffron because of its flavor and color.
It is mainly used in tofu scramble and tofu omelets for an egg-like color and can be practically added to curries, and even vegetables like carrots and zucchini.
It is also famous for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, which is an excellent deal for vegan dieters.