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Close-up of crawfish étouffee in a black cast iron pan showing the rich, reddish-brown roux with crawfish tails and served alongside white rice

science

May 30, 2026

Gumbo, Étouffée, and Cajun Seasoning Basics

Cayenne, roux, aromatics, and slow cooking shape Cajun dishes such as gumbo and étouffée. Learn how to season without losing the other flavors.

Assorted Turkish spices including Aleppo pepper and urfa biber in small bowls arranged on a wooden surface

science

May 27, 2026

Turkish Pepper Seasonings for Adana Kebab, Menemen, and Muhammara

Urfa biber and other pepper seasonings bring different flavors to Adana kebab, menemen, and muhammara. Explore the ingredients and uses.

Close-up of berbere spice blend showing red ground chilies mixed with whole spices and aromatics

science

May 26, 2026

Berbere in Doro Wat, Kitfo, and Shiro

A look at Ethiopian spice blends through doro wat, kitfo, and shiro, with attention to the ingredients and preparation of each dish.

Steaming bowl of Nigerian pepper soup with vibrant scotch bonnet peppers floating in golden palm oil broth, garnished with aromatic indigenous spices

science

May 25, 2026

Scotch Bonnets, Palm Oil, and Fermented Seasonings in Nigerian Cooking

Learn how scotch bonnets, palm oil, and fermented seasonings are used in Nigerian dishes, with practical ideas for adjusting the heat.

Whole spices sizzling and popping in hot oil during tempering process for Indian cooking

science

May 24, 2026

Tempering, Wet-Grinding, and Combining Fresh and Dried Chiles

Tempering whole spices, grinding fresh pastes, and combining fresh and dried chiles each change how a dish is seasoned.

A bowl of traditional birria with rich red chile broth, garnished with onions and cilantro, steam rising from the surface

science

May 23, 2026

Mexican Chile Broths, Fresh Salsas, and Charred Preparations

Compare slow-simmered Mexican chile broths, fresh acidic salsas, and charred preparations, with cooking details for each approach.

Bowl of golden ají amarillo paste surrounded by fresh rocoto and ají panca peppers on rustic wooden surface

science

May 22, 2026

Peruvian Ají Chiles: Flavor, Texture, and Cooking Uses

Ají amarillo, rocoto, and ají panca each bring a different character to Peruvian cooking. Explore their uses in sauces and dishes.

Bowl of Nigerian pepper soup with visible scotch bonnet peppers, traditional spices, and clear aromatic broth

science

May 21, 2026

Nigerian Pepper Soup: Peppers, Broth, and Aromatics

Look inside a pot of Nigerian pepper soup: its peppers, clear broth, and aromatic seasonings, plus ways to adjust the seasoning.

Crimson nduja spread on crusty bread with dried red chilies and olive oil on a wooden cutting board

science

May 20, 2026

Nduja, Arrabbiata, and Aglio e Olio: Italian Chili Dishes

Nduja, arrabbiata, and aglio e olio offer different ways to pair chili with pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.

Bowl of deep red harissa paste surrounded by dried chilies, garlic cloves, and traditional Moroccan spices scattered on rustic wooden surface

science

May 19, 2026

Harissa, Tagines, and Mechoui: A Moroccan Cooking Guide

A closer look at harissa, tagines, and mechoui: the peppers, aromatics, and cooking methods that season each preparation.