Every country has its own culinary tradition in which, among other things, certain spices play an important role. In our region, we use more and more spices, although we still mostly stick to traditional ones – ground red paprika, black pepper, parsley, garlic, etc. There are no strict rules for using spices; you should follow your own taste. Influences from other cuisines, where even more exotic and unfamiliar spices are used (or spice mixes), are also reaching us. Here are some examples:
Juniper Berries
Juniper is an evergreen shrub whose berries are harvested from late summer until winter. Dried and crushed, they are added to sauerkraut, cooked fish, marinades for fish or game, and roasts. They should not be used in large quantities. They have medicinal properties. They contain a healing essential oil, and in tea form they are used for bladder and urinary tract problems, prostate issues, inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining, rheumatism, and joint inflammation.
Curry
A very spicy Indian spice mix in powder form, combining various ingredients. There are more than 200 types of curry, from the mildest to the spiciest. It can be used for almost all meat and vegetable dishes, as well as soups. Here’s a recipe for those who want to make their own curry blend: 5 cinnamon sticks, 1 cup cardamom seeds, ½ cup cloves, ½ cup cumin, 4 tablespoons coriander seeds, and ½ tablespoon black peppercorns. Roast the spices in an oven preheated to 212°F for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from burning. Then grind them with a coffee grinder or spice grinder and store in a tightly sealed jar. It can be stored for up to 6 months.
Coriander
One of the oldest spice plants, native to Southeastern Europe, where it grows wild, and cultivated for thousands of years in India, China, and Egypt. The seeds are highly aromatic and are used in both sweet and savory dishes, for making liqueurs, marinades, and as an addition to spice mixes. Fresh coriander leaves are used in a similar way to parsley. It can be grown in pots or gardens, even in cooler climates. Coriander has healing properties and stimulates digestion.
