These can be used to diversify your winter menu or give a dish a touch of a specific cuisine.

Garam Masala
A popular spice blend in Southwest Asia. "Masala" in Hindi means "spice mix." Garam Masala is one of the most common blends, suitable for meat, fish, soups, and legumes.

Often, spices are toasted before grinding — either separately or with other spices in a hot dry skillet. The key is not to over-toast; cook for a few minutes until the aroma is strong.

A common composition includes coriander seeds, cumin, black pepper, bay leaf, green cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. Garam masala is typically added at the end of cooking or sprinkled on finished dishes.

Ras el Hanout
A popular North African spice blend, commonly used in Moroccan and Algerian cuisine. Moroccans say it's similar to Garam Masala. Typical ingredients include cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, chili, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, black pepper, and turmeric.

More complex variations may include rose petals, berries, and other ingredients.

Khmeli-Suneli
An aromatic Georgian spice mix, translating to "dry spice." The full composition includes basil, chili, parsley, celery, dill, coriander, bay leaf, savory, mint, marjoram, fenugreek, hyssop, and saffron.

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Curry
In Asia, curry leaves are often used, but they are hard to find in other regions. The more common "curry" refers to the powdered spice mix.

Traditional curry powder includes coriander, cumin, fenugreek, black mustard, black pepper, turmeric, ground ginger, and chili. It is commonly used for chicken, beef, and lamb.

Chermoula
Another Moroccan specialty. Chermoula is a marinade made of onion, garlic, chili, fresh cilantro, mint, cumin, paprika, saffron, salt, and lemon juice. It is most often used as a marinade for fish.

Fines Herbes
A traditional French blend consisting of chervil (resembles parsley with an anise flavor), tarragon, chives, and parsley. It is best used fresh, finely chopped in equal parts.

Herbes de Provence
A South French herb blend. Common ingredients include thyme, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, savory, and basil.

Chana Masala
An Indian spice mix for legumes (chickpeas, beans, lentils). Typical ingredients include cloves, ginger, salt, green cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, bay leaf, mango powder, nutmeg, mint, fenugreek, black pepper, chili, and dried garlic.

Chinese Five-Spice
A popular Chinese spice blend consisting of star anise, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and fennel seeds.

This is just a small selection of popular spice blends. If you're interested in a specific one or spices from a particular cuisine, let me know, and I’ll share more details or write a dedicated post.