For those of you who often cook at home, having a complete set of kitchen spices is a must. Spices don’t only add flavor but also give character to your dishes. There are various types of spices you can use, each with a different function. But essentially, here are the must-have spices, as they form the foundation of many dishes, especially traditional Indonesian cuisine. 

As long as you have these spices, you’ll have more freedom to get creative in the kitchen. So, what are the must-have kitchen spices? Below is a list of kitchen spices that must be at home : 

1. Garlic and Shallots 

No kitchen is complete without garlic and shallots. These two ingredients are the most commonly used base spices in various Indonesian dishes, from stir-fries and sambal to various types of meat dishes and soups. 

Garlic adds a distinctive fragrant aroma while enhancing the flavor. On the other hand, shallots have a sweet taste when fried, adding a crunchy texture that enriches the dish. 

2. Chilies 

For lovers of spicy food, chilies are a must-have kitchen spice. Whether it’s large red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, green chilies, or small chilies, each has its own unique flavor and level of spiciness. Some are not too spicy but add flavor, aroma, and color to dishes, while others are extremely hot, perfect for making sambal. 

3. Coriander 

Coriander is a spice with a strong flavor and aroma, often used in dishes such as dendeng, empal, and fried chicken. Coriander is available in seed or ground form. 

4. Pepper 

Pepper, or black pepper, is a versatile spice used almost worldwide, including in Indonesia. It’s usually used to add spiciness and a warm sensation while enhancing the flavor of the dish. 

There are two popular types of pepper: black and white pepper. White pepper is usually used in soups or dishes where you don’t want the spice to stand out too much, while black pepper adds a stronger aroma and flavor. 

5. Ginger 

Ginger is a kitchen spice that not only adds flavor but also provides health benefits. It has a warm, refreshing taste and is often used in soups, stir-fries, and traditional drinks. Ginger can also warm the body, relieve bloating, and ease colds. Keep fresh ginger or powdered ginger on hand, especially if you enjoy making traditional Indonesian dishes like soto or wedang jahe. 

6. Turmeric 

Turmeric is known for giving dishes a natural yellow color. It’s commonly used in dishes like yellow rice, curry, and gulai. Besides adding color, turmeric is also frequently made into herbal drinks. 

Read More : Here Are 5 Types of Spices You Should Not Store in the Fridge

7. Galangal 

Galangal, or commonly known as laos, is a spice with a distinctive aroma. It looks similar to ginger but has a sharper and more aromatic flavor. This rhizome is often used in soups, such as stews, gulai, and chicken opor. 

8. Lemongrass 

Lemongrass has a fresh aroma and can give a unique flavor to dishes. Besides being used in cooking, lemongrass is often used in traditional drinks or herbal teas to add a refreshing and calming fragrance. 

9. Bay Leaves and Kaffir Lime Leaves 

Bay leaves and kaffir lime leaves are often used in dishes as aromatic ingredients. Bay leaves have a distinctive flavor and aroma, often used to reduce the fishy smell in seafood or meat. 

Meanwhile, kaffir lime leaves have a very strong, fragrant smell. Apart from being used in main dishes, these leaves are also commonly added to sambal and kaffir lime leaf rice. 

10. Sweet Soy Sauce 

Sweet soy sauce is one of the most versatile spices for various Indonesian dishes. True to its name, it adds sweetness and a beautiful brown color to dishes like stir-fries and satay. It can also be served as a dip for snacks like fried foods. 

11. Salt and Sugar 

Salt and sugar are two of the most basic ingredients that should be in every kitchen. Salt enhances the savory flavor, while sugar balances out the saltiness. With the right ratio, sugar and salt can create a perfectly balanced taste in any dish. 

Enhance Your Dishes with Creamy and Healthy FiberCreme 

Now that you have all these kitchen spices, you’re ready to make delicious and tempting dishes. But it’s not just about taste! Your dishes should also be healthy so your loved ones can enjoy them too. 

To make your dishes both tasty and healthy, choose healthy ingredients and cooking methods, and add FiberCreme. It has a creamy taste like milk or coconut milk, but with more fiber, less sugar, and 0mg of cholesterol. 

Already have an idea of what to cook? Find more delicious and healthy recipe inspiration on @FiberCreme_TV!