Briefly toast dry spices
Cumin, coriander seed, paprika and curry powder become more fragrant when briefly cooked in oil. Do not set the heat too high; burnt spices turn bitter.
Choose one direction for each pot
For a North African feel, cumin, cinnamon and lemon work well together. For an East Asian soup, try ginger, lemongrass, miso and sesame oil. Do not mix every jar in the spice cupboard.
- North Africa: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, lemon.
- South Asia: turmeric, ginger, garam masala, coconut.
- East Asia: miso, ginger, sesame, spring onion.
- Central Europe: bay leaf, thyme, parsley, caraway.
Taste in layers
Add powerful seasonings such as miso, fish sauce or lemon later. You can always add more, but too much is difficult to undo.