In Western culture, cooking has been widely considered an art since the end of the Renaissance period. Like all other art forms, cooking requires passion, patience, and precision. However, for many of us in our busy lives, we often don’t slow down and appreciate the intricate details of the culinary process enough to consider eating a meal as an experience, or even a form of entertainment. When we eat, our senses are flooded with various textures and aromas which leave us either yearning for another bite or immediately putting the fork down. To ensure the meals we create always leave our guests scraping the plate, head to the spice aisle. Trust us when we say we’re about to spice things up.
Yes, Chef!
As the author of the six book science fiction series “Dune,” Frank Herbert, would say, “he who controls the spice controls the universe.” Miami-based private chef, Stella Giraldella, would have to agree.
Chef Giraldella recommends experimenting with different spice blends by mixing and matching as this is a great way to personalize your dishes. She also shared a two of her favorite general spices which we should all keep in our cabinet tucked away from any heat or moisture: cayenne and paprika.
As a chef in Miami, it’s important to understand the value that spices add to Spanish inspired dishes.
Chef Giraldella also loves to include paprika while cooking paella or patatas bravas dishes.
“Paprika adds a beautiful color and a subtle smoky flavor to dishes” Giraldella said. “It’s perfect for seasoning soups, stews and sauces.”
Nobu Knows Best
As a chef at one of Miami’s most well-known Japanese restaurants in the country, Nobu Miami, Chef Maritza Cepero knows which spices keep her dishes sapid in the kitchen.
Chef Cepero provided a list of her favorite basic spices which she recommends that everyone always keep in their pantry: black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and paprika.
“Always crack to the pod and use the seed as that is where all the flavor is,” said Cepero, when asked about working with cardamom.
Alongside cardamom, Cepero recommends pairing cardamom with cumin as cumin also adds a smokey, earthy flavor and further amplifies the dishes herby notes.
Like a Pro
Spices aren’t just for the professionals, even college students can try their hand in the seasoning world. As a student, it is undeniably difficult to find time to get in the kitchen, but Luca Scardino, a University of Miami sophomore business management major is a perfect example of a student-chef.
“I’ve always had an interest in cooking,” said Scardino. “My mother and grandmother have always loved cooking and baking and have composed a cookbook that’s been passed down.”
As a full-time student, Scardino likes to keep his cooking process less complicated, while still incorporating certain spices. He enjoys cooking both in the morning before classes and in the evening afterwards to ensure he has ample time to prepare and clean.
Cameron Kohls, an equestrian rider and UM sophomore finance major, knows how to keep it clean and fresh in the kitchen while avoiding tasteless dishes.
“I was super focused on eating clean food that I knew was vegan, so cooking my own meals came naturally,” Kohls said. “But what didn’t come naturally was taste.”
Growing up in a predominantly take-out oriented family, Kohls taught herself how to cook and incorporate spices without much influence. She even prefers to wing it in the kitchen, completely recipe-less.
“For me part of the fun of cooking is the adventure and there’s no set way your dish has to turn out because every dish is fully customizable to you,” said Kohls.
Keep in mind that cooking is an art, and cooking is one of the most unique and endearing ways to display love and affection. Using our spice tips, tricks and recommendations, we can assure you that yourself and others will undoubtedly taste the love.
words_hannah olivia pierce. illustration&design_andres alessandro.
This article was published in Distraction’s Summer 2024 print issue.
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