Add a Dash of Adventure to Cooking with These 12 Unique Spices

Spices can make or break a meal, and even a tiny dash can magically change the profile of an entire dish. Chances are you have a favorite, which you use to elevate your favorite cuisines.

If you feel stuck in a rut when it comes to your daily meals, it may be time to swap out the classics for something new. It can be nerve-wracking to introduce new flavors into your food, but as they say, variety is the spice of life.

Here are 12 uncommon spices that can take your tastebuds on a journey around the world.

Sumac

Sumac hails from the Mediterranean and often appears in Middle Eastern and North African dishes. This burgundy-colored spice has a fruity, lemony flavor that can add tang to dishes.

Try sumac in a garden salad or use it to season meats like pork and chicken. It’s also delicious on a new potato or eggplant salad recipe.

Za’atar

Za’atar is a spice blend that includes sumac, thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sesame seeds. This grainy texture may be offputting for some, but its tart, savory, and nutty flavors really pop in many recipes.

Za’atar is versatile, and you can use it in anything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables and homemade dips. Mixed with a little yogurt, it is the best accompaniment to fresh vegetables or crackers for a healthy snack.

Guinea Pepper

Guinea pepper is a Western African spice with a sophisticated flavor that combines black pepper, citrus, and cardamom. Much like black pepper, you can use the seeds whole for a warming flavor to your soups and stews.

You can also infuse olive oil with guinea pepper seeds, grind them into a meat seasoning, or, if you're feeling brave, add a spicy note to your ice cream.

Nigella

Black nigella seeds taste nutty, and they do work well on their own as a quick snack. Alternatively, add them to roasted vegetables for an enhanced flavor or sprinkle over lettuce for more crunch in your salad.

You can also toast them and mix them in with raita, the Indian version of tzatziki, which pairs nicely with fresh bread or kebabs.

Epazote

Originating in Central and South America, epazote is reminiscent of mint with added hints of orange and pine. It pairs well with tomato-based and bean dishes like sauces and soups. Try it with scrambled eggs, or mix it with butter and use it as a corn topping to expand your horizons.

Epazote is also good for digestion, so consider infusing it into your next hot tea to improve your gut health.

Urfa Biber

A Turkish spice, urfa biber is a mix of sweet, earthy, and tangy flavors with a hint of smoke. You can use it for traditional Turkish dishes like lahmacun, hummus, and muhammara.

Get a little creative with it, too, and boost the flavor of everyday meals with a sprinkling of urfa biber. Add it to tomato dishes, lentil stews and soups, and even burgers to spice things up.

Ajwain

Ajwain is important in Ayurvedic medicine, but it’s also a delicious spice in the kitchen. Its sharp flavor is reminiscent of thyme and oregano, so it would go well on pizza.

It’s also a great way to season meat, especially sprinkled on fish fillets or chicken. Add some ajwain seeds to roasted chickpeas and munch away if you want a quick and healthy snack.

Annatto

As a natural dye, annatto is used in various cosmetic formulas to give things like lipstick and polishes a bright red hue. Flavorwise, its mild, slightly peppery taste lends itself easily to Caribbean dishes.

To use annatto in the kitchen, consider it as an extra ingredient for your mac and cheese or mashed potatoes to elevate them.

Ras el Hanout

Ras el hanout is a spice blend that combines a variety of strong-tasting spices like cumin, cinnamon, cloves, paprika, chili powder, ginger, and nutmeg, among others.

Due to its potent taste, ras el hanout is perfect as a meat rub or a one-stop spice for soups and stews. It can also be used in side dishes like rice pilaf or baked potatoes.

Black Garlic

Black garlic, which is nothing more than aged raw garlic, is a source of umami, combining sweetness and richness for a potent bite. It’s perfect for any meal or application you can think of.

Add it to sides like mashed potatoes, sauces like pasta sauce, salad dressings, and standalone dishes like risotto, and you’ll get an addictive earthy flavor.

Blade Mace

Blade mace is nothing but the seed covering of nutmeg — a spice in itself. It has a similar flavor to nutmeg, as expected, but it’s subtler. It’s ideal for delicate desserts like pastries and fruit pies.

For savory dishes, try it in Swedish meatballs and prepare to be amazed.

Sansho Peppercorn

Sansho is the Japanese relative of the tingly Sichuan peppercorn and has a similar fresh, bright taste. Sansho tends to be stronger, with a peppery citrus flavor that can cut through the fatty richness of meats like pork.

Sansho peppercorns are also delicious with seafood and are a traditional spice in Japanese grilled eel.