Spices are integral to great Southwestern cuisine.
Chili powder and cumin are the most popular Southwest spices, however cooks from this region frequently use cilantro and Mexican oregano as well. You may buy these spices individually or in seasoning blends. Such blends often combine these traditional Southwest ingredients with other spices, such an garlic, onion, paprika, red pepper and black pepper. Dishes cooked with such spices have a rich, hearty characteristic many find appealing.
Cumin
Cumin exudes a bitter taste and warm scent, causing it to impart savory flavor to meat, vegetable and pasta dishes. Although it comes in the three colors of white, amber and black, cooks use the amber variety most because it is easiest to obtain. Cumin originates in the Mediterranean and, like many other spices, is popular in the cooking of various other cultures. It is one of the primary spices in curry powder.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is often a combination of two varieties of red chilies and sometimes contains other ingredients, such as paprika, garlic and salt. Pure chili powders are also available and are much hotter than chili blends. If you use this spice judiciously, it will impart a lovely red color and lively flavor without being too hot. It is one of the primary seasonings in the American Southwest dish known as chili. In addition, cooks use it as one of the main ingredients to flavor fajitas and taco meat.
Cilantro
Many ethnic cuisines from around the globe feature cilantro in their cooking. It comes from the same plant as coriander and Southwest cooks frequently use both in their dishes. Culinary uses of the fresh leaves of cilantro include a wide variety of dishes ranging from salsa to soups to meats. This spice has a strong scent and taste, which causes it to blend well with other sharp flavors, such as those found in dishes from this area of the country..
Mexican Oregano
Mexican oregano is a different plant from Mediterranean oregano and has a slightly different taste. It exudes a stronger, less sweet flavor, which marries well with spicy Southwest cooking. When you use it in a recipe, add it at the beginning to permit give it time to blend with the other seasonings. Cooks frequently use it in such dishes as beans, enchiladas and chili. The application of heat can help release its flavor, so if you use it in uncooked recipes, such as salsa, it is best to warm it beforehand.
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