6 Spice Combinations for Autumn

If there’s anything to be learned from the pumpkin spice phenomenon (other than just how much sugar Starbucks can pack into a single drink), it’s that combining different spices that complement each other can yield delicious results. For instance, pumpkin spice is a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves, all of which add great flavour on their own but are even better when mixed together.

But pumpkin spice isn’t the only great option when it comes to autumn spice combos. This season, try these easy-to-make spice recipes to amplify the flavour in everything from soups and chilli’s to roasted veggies and porridge.

Some call for dried herbs or salts, which aren’t technically spices, but probably live in your spice cabinet. You can make them ahead of time and store them in a jar or just combine the various spices in a single recipe.

CHILI POWDER + COCOA POWDER + CUMIN + CINNAMON

If you make chilli, you likely know a little bit of chilli powder and cumin together delivers depth of flavour and just enough heat. But, introducing cinnamon and unsweetened cocoa powder to the mix adds richness and unexpected warmth.

The mix:

  • 1 tablespoon chilli powder

  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Use it for: chilli, vegetable stew

ROSEMARY + SEA SALT + SMOKED PAPRIKA + PEPPER

While a simple sprinkle of olive oil, salt and pepper is a standard go-to for roasting chicken or vegetables, try this combo if you want to shake things up or impress guests. Spicy paprika adds warmth which is nicely balanced by the floral notes from rosemary.

The mix:

  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

  • 2 teaspoons sea salt

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Use it for: roast chicken, roasted potatoes and roasted winter pumpkins/squashes

ALLSPICE + BLACK PEPPER + GINGER + TURMERIC

Turmeric, which is rich in antioxidants, makes a great addition to spice blends. This blend pairs well with savoury dishes but it’s also excellent with sweet ones, since the flavour is unexpected without being overwhelming.

The mix:

  • 1 teaspoon allspice

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric

Use it for: oatmeal, overnight oats, apple pie,

PARSLEY + THYME + OREGANO + CELERY SALT + GARLIC POWDER + HOT PAPRIKA

This combination makes comfort food classics like chicken soup taste extra comforting. Try it in your favourite warming soups as the weather gets colder.

The mix:

  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon celery salt

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika

Use it for: any soup such as chicken, lentil or veggie

CUMIN + CARDAMON + CORIANDER + MUSTARD POWDER + CINNAMON

If you love curry, this mix is similar to what you’ll find in a jar of curry powder but with a few tweaks. Most notably, using cinnamon instead of cayenne adds warmth without spicy heat. Try it the next time you make curry or use it as a rub for large cuts of meat

The mix:

  • 1 tablespoon cumin

  • 2 teaspoons ground cardamom

  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander

  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Use it for: coconut milk- or cream-based curry, pork shoulder, beef dishes

CARAWAY + FENNEL + OREGANO + ROSEMARY

If you love savoury baking — breads, biscuits, pretzels, etc. — try stirring a tablespoon of this mix into your next batch. Caraway is what gives rye bread its flavour, so it’s no stranger to dough. Fennel, oregano and rosemary go the extra mile in making otherwise bland starch taste incredible.

The mix:

  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds

  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Use it for: fresh bread, biscuits, pretzels or sprinkled over eggs on toast

Claire Edwards