- When to add: At the beginning of frying to make the vegetables absorb it better, or at the end to correct the flavour according to your preference.
- The flavour and aroma you get: Salt enhances the natural flavour of the vegetables, while pepper adds sharpness and depth. These are versatile spices that go well with almost any dish.
2. garlic (granulated or fresh, chopped):
- When to add: Add the fresh to the hot oil and the dried halfway through frying the vegetables to avoid burning, which could give a bitter taste.
- Taste and flavour you get: Garlic has an intense, spicy and slightly sweet flavour that enriches and sharpens the taste of the vegetables, adding character.
- When to add: At the beginning or in the middle of frying to give the vegetables an interesting colour and flavour.
- The taste and flavour you get: paprika adds sweetness or spiciness to the food and intense colour, making the vegetables in the pan more appetising.
- When to add: Best added halfway through frying to add a deep, smoky flavour to the dish but avoid burning, which could give bitterness.
- Taste and aroma you get: smoked paprika has a distinctive, intense and smoky flavour. It adds a natural smoky note to dishes. It will give your vegetables a barbecue-like aroma.
- When to add: Add halfway through the frying time so that the aroma of the herbs can penetrate the vegetables. Grind them well to a powder, you will avoid the risk of burning the dried herbs.
- Taste and aroma you get: These herbs have aromatic and slightly spicy notes that enrich the flavour of vegetables, especially those of the tomato family.
Read also: How to season hummus
- When to add: At the beginning or halfway through frying. Turmeric gives a beautiful golden colour and a delicate, warm flavour.
- The taste and flavour you get: Turmeric has a warm, earthy flavour that adds depth to dishes and a beautiful colour, making vegetables more appetising.
- When to add: Add at the beginning of frying, as rosemary needs more time to release its aroma. If you add it whole remove the needles before serving.
- Flavour and aroma you get: Rosemary has a strong, resinous aroma which goes well with vegetables with a strong taste, such as potatoes or carrots.
- When to add: At the beginning or halfway through frying if you want to add spiciness to the dish.
- The flavour and aroma you get: They add spiciness and energy to dishes, boosting the flavour of other ingredients and our metabolism.
- When to add: Whole at the beginning of frying to release their aroma and give a deep flavour to the dish. Ground cumin in the middle or towards the end.
- Flavour and aroma you get: Cumin has an earthy, slightly citrusy flavour. It helps to balance the flavour of the vegetables and has a positive effect on digestion.
10. ginger (fresh or powdered):
- When to add: At the beginning or halfway through frying to add a spicy-sweet aroma and depth of flavour.
- Flavour and aroma you get: Ginger has a spicy-sweet, warm flavour and aroma that can add an exotic touch to dishes. It is also known for its health properties.
- When to add: Halfway through frying. This is a ready blend of herbs that goes well with vegetables.
- The taste and aroma you get: Herbs de Provence is a harmonious blend that adds a Mediterranean touch to dishes, ideal for vegetables such as aubergines or peppers.
- When to add: In the middle or at the end of frying to add a refined flavour to the dish.
- The flavour and aroma you get: This very popular blend of herbs and spices in Poland will work well in pan-fried vegetables.
13 Mr Cook Italian Herbs for Salads and Vegetables (blend):
- When to add: In the middle or at the end of frying to add a refined flavour to the dish.
- The flavour and aroma you get: This is a balanced blend of herbs, turmeric and a touch of chilli. It brings a wealth of flavours and aromas to dishes. Thanks to the right proportions, no particular accent is dominant.
- When to add: At the beginning of frying: Adding soy sauce at the beginning of frying allows the vegetables to absorb the sauce and soak up its flavour. The addition of soy sauce will help to caramelise the vegetables, which will translate into the unique flavour of the vegetables in the pan. Important: soy sauce is salty, forgo the addition of salt if you use it.
- The flavour and aroma you will get: soy sauce adds a deep, so-called fifth umami flavour to the dish, which is both salty and slightly sweet. Its distinctive, intense aroma enriches the flavour of the vegetables and adds an oriental touch to the dish. Ideal for vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, courgettes or carrots.
16: Honey - come on it's not a condiment, it will be your secret weapon:
- When to add: At the end of frying, in a small amount to add a slight sweetness and caramel flavour.
- The flavour and aroma you get: Honey will add a sweet, caramel touch to the dish, which will perfectly complement the flavour of the vegetables in the pan, contrasting with the spices used.
When seasoning your pan vegetables, be guided by your culinary preferences. Cooking whether at home or in a professional kitchen can be an arduous process or a way to bring a smile to the lips of your guests. Whether you're cooking at home or in a professional kitchen, allow yourself to experiment - it's the only way to develop your own cooking style!
Read also: How to season and roast a whole chicken
Creative spice and herb combinations for pan-frying vegetables that you can easily make yourself
To add a unique flavour to your pan vegetables, use the following suggestions:
- Turmeric, cayenne pepper and cumin - this combination will add an exotic flavour and slight spiciness, ideal for stir-fried vegetables such as courgettes, peppers or onions.
- Rosemary, garlic and lemon (lemon zest or juice) - perfect for pan roasted potatoes or carrots, adding freshness and aromatic character.
- Marjoram, thyme and sweet paprika - a classic and versatile combination that works well for a variety of vegetables such as aubergines, tomatoes or broccoli.
Remember that balance is key - start with small amounts and gradually add more until you achieve the flavour you want. Also try creating your own blends, taking into account the complementary flavours and aromas of the herbs and spices used. This can be a great way to discover your own unique flavour combinations that will make your pan dishes a real feast for the senses.
Read also: Secrets of seasoning soups
How do I prepare frozen vegetables for the frying pan?
To cook frozen mixed vegetables in a frying pan, we recommend a frying pan with a thick bottom, which distributes the heat evenly. Heat the pan over a low heat and then add some oil or butter to prevent the vegetables from burning. Be careful not to heat the oil/butter too much. Place frozen vegetables in the pan without defrosting first - this prevents excessive splashing. Fry the vegetables for about 10-15 minutes, stirring every so often to ensure they heat evenly and don't burn. The finished vegetables should be crisp and lightly browned. If you notice during frying that the vegetables are starting to burn, you can gently lower the heat and add a little more oil or butter.
Conclusion:
Preparing vegetables for pan frying is straightforward. Seasoning your pan vegetables is a creative part of cooking to enhance the flavour and aroma of the food you are cooking. There are a wide variety of spices and herbs that we can use, and the choice depends on your tastebuds and whether you want the vegetables to be a standalone dish or a side dish for another meal.
Make cooking a passion rather than a chore - so that the smiles of your guests become a source of motivation for your next culinary challenge. With a variety of spices and herbs, our tips and a bit of experimentation, you will decide for yourself how the vegetables in the pan will taste. They will certainly be tasty!
Discover Mr Cook - your spice wholesaler with a long tradition. Our range includes a wide selection of spices, herbs and blends that are the key to the unique taste of every dish. Whether you run a restaurant or are passionate about cooking at home, our products will meet your expectations. Check out our range and see how easy it is to enhance your culinary creations with Mr Cook!
