Pantry essentials
Showing posts with label Pantry essentials. Show all posts

Friday, 8 November 2019

Oyster Sauce – Sauce Seasoning of the Week


I am always looking for sauces to add to my pantry since they add that extra flavour to my dishes. I have fish sauce and worcestshire sauce so adding Oyster sauce to my collection seemed like the natural thing to do. Oyster sauce is made from boiled oysters and seasoning. Despite the name, the savoury taste does not have a fishy taste to it. This is because the sauce undergoes a boiling process that retains all the flavour and removes most of the fishy taste that you might think it has.

Monday, 28 October 2019

Green Bullet Peppers - Peppers Of The Week


I love spices and as much as I love dried spices, nothing beats the fresh ones that have wholesome nutrients and benefits. There are so many varieties of peppers that sometimes its hard to kerp up with the names or even types. Peppers come in the sweet and hot kinds, some you can eat raw and include in salads but today's variety has a different story all together. Green Bullet Peppers are usually a hot peppers variety that is too hot to eat raw. 

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Bell Peppers - Peppers Of the Week


Bell peppers are also known as sweet peppers or capsicum. They come in various colors like red, yellow, green, orange, white, purple and even mixed colored peppers which exist during parts of the ripening process. Green peppers are less sweet and slightly more bitter than yellow, orange or red peppers. Bell peppers are made up of water which is 94% and carbs like fructose, sugars and glucose. They also contain nutrients like vitamins, minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and sodium. You can cook bell peppers in so many ways. You can skewer with meats or veggies to make kabobs, you can shred into thin strips and add to your coleslaw.

Sunday, 10 March 2019

Coconut Oil - Oil Seasoning Of The Week


My first memories of coconut oil is when we were really young and mum used to apply it to our hair immediately the braids were off so we can go off to the salon. There was no need for our hairs to be straightened out or blow dried because the coconut oil was instant in softening the hair for it to be combed. Us and our kinky hair needed that coconut oil on our hairs lest it be hell! combing it out. Fast forward to now and I know about coconut oil for cooking with. So far mu most used coconut products are coconut cream, coconut milk and desiccated coconut. I love the taste, flavor and aroma of coconut in food. I have used coconut in my rice dish, I have made coconut french toast that was totally delish! Coconut oil has plenty of benefits that you will be glad you have been using it or if you have not then welcome onboard.

Monday, 4 March 2019

Pilau Masala Whole - Whole Spice Of The Week


As you all know I love spices, both savoury and sweet. They just give food that EXTRA! vibe. Whether is is sweet dessert or spicy curries, you will never go wrong when it comes to adding them to your dishes. My spice for the week is Pilau Masala Whole spice mix. This spice mix contains cumin seeds, black pepper, cinnamon sticks, cardamom and cloves. Using whole spices adds that authentic natural aroma and taste. When using whole spices you can ground them in a mortar or electric grinder. I like using them whole especially when making Korma. I have cooked pilau with ground spices so this month look forward to a whole spice pilau affair.

Friday, 1 March 2019

Eggs - Protein Of The Week


Happy New Month Loves! Let's kick of this month with one of my favorite ingredients I use in the kitchen many times. Eggs! I love eggs, if I could I would eat everyday which really is not recommended by nutritionists or dieticians. Every other day is cool though. I have cooked with eggs very many times, whether it is on their own like my tomato scrambled eggs and bacon cilantro scrambled eggs, my ugandan rolex which had fried eggs and used the eggs in pancakes or even baked goods. I just realized I haven't cooked with boiled eggs, coming soon later on this month. Eggs are the most nutritious good since they contain so many essential nutrients like Vitamin A B2 B5 B6 B12 E, Calcium and Zinc. They contain anti oxidants that help prevent mascular degenaration and cataracts. The high protein in eggs helps reduce calorie intake in the day because they are satiating.

Sunday, 3 February 2019

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix


Making your own spice mixes is the best decision you can ever make for yourself and your family. Homemade is the best because you know what exactly you have in the mix and to what quantities you like. Pumpkin spice mix is a mixture of some of the warm spices that are readily available anywhere in the market. Spices bring life and flavor to food, whether you are using a single spice or mixing it up to ump the flavor and intensity, spices should be an integral part of your pantry. Spices not only add these wonderful memory invoking taste, they are healthy as well, and combining the spices gives you the added benefit of getting the most out of the nutrients the spices provide. It really takes  few second to make this awesome spice blend and will keep for several weeks if you do not use it regularly. Use pumpkin spice mix for several recipes like pumpkin pie, pumpkin latee or even to flavour teas. I love how fragrant and warm this mix is, gives you the feeling of seeping a warm cuppa tea, legs crossed over your sofa on a dreary rainy day, so comforting. 

Wednesday, 2 January 2019

Salmon - Protein Of The Week


Salmon is the common name for several species of ray-finned fish in the family Salmonidae. Other fish in the same family include trout, char, grayling and whitefish. There are different types of salmon including Atlantic salmon, Chinook salmon, Chum salmon, Coho salmon, Masu salmon or cherry salmon, Pink salmon  and Sockeye salmon. 

Tuesday, 1 January 2019

Poblano Peppers - Peppers Of The Week


The poblano is a mild chili pepper originating in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Dried, it is called ancho or chile ancho, from the Spanish word ancho ("wide"). Stuffed fresh and roasted it is popular in chiles rellenos poblanos. While poblanos tend to have a mild flavor, occasionally and unpredictably they can have significant heat. Different peppers from the same plant have been reported to vary substantially in heat intensity. The ripened red poblano is significantly hotter and more flavorful than the less ripe, green poblano.  Preparation methods include: dried, stuffed, in mole sauces, or coated in whipped egg (capeado) and fried. After being roasted and peeled (which improves the texture by removing the waxy skin), poblano peppers are preserved by either canning or freezing.

Sunday, 30 December 2018

Chia Seeds - Seeds Of The Week

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Chia seeds are a great superfood that is filled with great nutrients and benefits for the body. They are rich in protein and calcium, an excellent sauce of omega 3, high in dietary fibre and a powerful antioxidant

Green Grams - Grains Of The Week


I love green grams, what we call "ndengu" in Kenya, and mostly eaten with Chapati or rice

Sesame Oil - Oil Seasoning Of The Week


Sesame oil is fragrant with a nutty flavour, best used to make Asian stir fries

Lemon Herb Rub Recipe


Making your own herb rub is the best feeling in the world! I mean, apart from having your own quantity you have the herb rub fresh. Plus the added advantage of smelling the sweet aroma as the spices meld together while blending. So far my best homemade rub I have made so far.

Parsley - Herb Of The Week


Herbs enhance the flavor of food, make it aromatic and give it that lovely delicious bite.

Homemade Garlic Herb Rub



This dry herb rub is the best thing to happen to my meat dishes. Herb rubs usually combine dried herbs, spice and even sweet elements like brown sugar. In this garlic herb rub I used garlic powder but you can mince the garlic and mix into the other herbs. 

Fish Sauce - Sauce Seasoning Of The Week


The best seasoning for Asian cooking.

Friday, 30 November 2018

Flax Seeds - Seeds Of the Week


Tiny but mighty, flax seeds have been praised for centuries for their incredible health benefits and versatility in everyday cooking. These small, brown or golden seeds may not look like much at first glance, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to nutrition. Whether you're sprinkling them on your smoothie bowl, baking them into muffins, or mixing them into your morning oatmeal, flax seeds are one of the easiest ways to add a healthy boost to your meals.

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

Black Pepper - Ground Spice Of The Week


Bold, warm, and unmistakably sharp, black pepper is far more than just a table condiment. As our Spice of the Week, this humble pantry staple deserves the spotlight for its rich history, powerful health benefits, and ability to enhance nearly every savory dish. Whether you’re seasoning a soup, rub, or roast, ground black pepper brings depth, heat, and balance to your culinary creations. Don’t underestimate the power of this kitchen staple. Black pepper, often dubbed the “king of spices,” is not only one of the most widely used spices in the world but also one of the oldest. Found in nearly every kitchen and on almost every dining table, this humble black granule is far more than a simple seasoning, it’s a spice with a rich history, remarkable health benefits, and unmatched culinary versatility. This week, we shine the spotlight on ground black pepper and why it deserves all the hype.

Tuesday, 27 November 2018

Chick Peas – Grain of the Week



Discover why chickpeas are the perfect grain of the week! Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, plus easy recipes to enjoy their versatile flavor. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a powerhouse grain that deserves the spotlight as our Grain of the Week. Rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, chickpeas support digestion, heart health, and sustained energy. Their nutty flavor and satisfying texture make them a versatile ingredient perfect for salads, stews, hummus, and more. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to plant-based eating, chickpeas are a delicious way to boost your meals with wholesome nutrition.

Friday, 16 November 2018

Oregano - Herb Of The Week



This week’s spotlight herb is Oregano, a bold, aromatic staple in Mediterranean and Mexican cooking. Known for its slightly peppery, earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness, oregano adds depth to everything from pizza sauce and marinades to grilled meats and stews. Beyond its culinary versatility, oregano is rich in antioxidants and offers antimicrobial properties, making it a powerhouse in both the kitchen and natural wellness circles. Whether you use it fresh or dried, oregano is a must-have herb that transforms simple dishes into savory delights. Good-quality oregano may be strong enough almost to numb the tongue, but cultivars adapted to colder climates may have a lesser flavor. Often referred to as the “pizza herb,” oregano is far more versatile than its nickname suggests. With its earthy, slightly bitter, and robust taste, oregano adds depth to dishes and offers a range of health benefits that earn it a well-deserved spot in your pantry and herb garden.
© Nairobi Kitchen
Maira Gall