The 10 Best Spices for Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with almost any meal.
They’re easy to make and incredibly tasty, but they can become boring if you don’t change up the flavors every once in a while.
That’s why I have compiled a list of 10 spices that will take your potato wedges from ordinary to extraordinary!
From cumin and paprika to oregano and garlic powder, these spices will add flavor and depth to your potato wedges without overpowering them.
So let’s get started!
Here are the 10 best spices for potato wedges.
Why Add Spices to Potato Wedges?
Adding spices to potato wedges is a great way to add flavor and texture.
Spices can be used to enhance the natural flavors of potatoes, as well as create unique flavor combinations.
For example, adding garlic powder or onion powder will give your potato wedges an extra kick of savory flavor.
Paprika adds a smoky sweetness that pairs nicely with potatoes, while cumin gives them an earthy depth of flavor.
Spices also help to create a crunchier texture on the outside of the potato wedges by forming a crust when cooked in oil.
This helps keep the inside soft and fluffy while giving it some added crispiness on the outside.
Adding herbs like oregano or thyme can also add complexity and depth of flavor to your potato wedges.
In addition, spices are known for their health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants which can help boost immunity and reduce inflammation in the body.
So not only do they make your food taste better but they’re good for you too!
The 10 Best Spices for Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are a delicious snack or side dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
To make them even more flavorful, consider adding some spices to the mix.
Here are ten spices that will help you take your potato wedges to the next level:
1. Sea Salt
Sea salt is a type of salt that is harvested from evaporated seawater.
It has a coarser texture than table salt and contains trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
- Taste: Sea salt has a slightly different flavor than regular table salt; it’s less salty but more complex in taste with an earthy, mineral-like flavor.
- How To Use: To use sea salt on your potato wedges, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the coarsely ground sea salt over the potatoes before baking them in the oven. The extra minerals will give your potato wedges an added depth of flavor!
2. Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a seasoning made from dehydrated garlic that has been ground into a fine powder.
It is used to add flavor to dishes and can be found in most grocery stores.
- Taste: Garlic powder has a milder, more subtle flavor than fresh garlic, but it still adds depth and complexity to dishes. The flavor of garlic powder is earthy and slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness.
- Storage: Garlic powder should be stored in an airtight container away from heat and light for up to six months. After this time, the flavor will start to diminish so it’s best to use it within this timeframe for optimal taste.
3. Black Pepper
Black pepper is a spice made from the dried, unripe fruit of the Piper nigrum plant.
It is one of the most widely used spices in the world and has been around for thousands of years.
- Taste: Black pepper has a sharp, pungent flavor that can range from mild to very hot depending on how it’s prepared. The heat comes from an alkaloid called piperine, which gives black pepper its signature flavor and aroma.
- Storage: Whole peppercorns should be stored in an airtight container away from light and moisture; they will last up to two years if stored properly. Ground black pepper should also be kept in an airtight container away from light and moisture; it will last up to six months if stored properly.
4. Onion Powder
Onion powder is a seasoning made from ground, dehydrated onions.
It has a strong onion flavor and aroma, and can be used as an alternative to fresh onions in many recipes.
Uses: Onion powder can be used to add flavor to potato wedges or any other dish that calls for onions.
It’s also great for adding flavor to soups, stews, sauces, dressings, marinades, and rubs. Additionally, it can be used as a topping on popcorn or sprinkled over roasted vegetables.
5. Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika is a type of paprika made from dried, smoked peppers.
It has a deep red color and an intense smoky flavor that adds depth to dishes.
The peppers used to make smoked paprika are usually pimento or guajillo chiles, which are then dried over oak wood fires for several days before being ground into powder.
Taste: Smoked paprika has a strong smoky flavor with hints of sweetness and mild heat. Its flavor pairs well with potatoes, meats, fish, vegetables, eggs, soups, stews and sauces.
6. Dried Oregano
Oregano is a fragrant, slightly bitter herb with a strong flavor.
It has an earthy aroma and a warm, pungent taste that pairs well with potatoes.
Dried oregano is more potent than fresh oregano, so it’s best to use it sparingly.
How Much To Use: When using dried oregano in potato wedges, start by adding 1/4 teaspoon of the herb per 2 cups of potatoes. Taste the wedges after cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add other herbs such as thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
7. Cumin
Cumin is a spice made from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, which is part of the parsley family.
It has an earthy flavor and aroma that can be described as nutty, spicy, and slightly bitter.
- Taste: The flavor of cumin is warm and earthy with a hint of bitterness. It’s often used in combination with other spices to create complex flavors in dishes like curries, stews, chili con carne, and Mexican cuisine.
- How Much To Use: When using cumin to season potato wedges or any other dish for that matter, it’s best to start off by adding just a small amount at first (1/4 teaspoon) and then adjust according to taste. Too much cumin can overpower the other flavors in your dish so it’s important to add it gradually until you get the desired flavor profile.
8. Chili Powder
Chili powder is a blend of ground spices, including chiles, garlic, cumin, oregano, and other herbs and spices.
It is used to add flavor and heat to dishes.
- Taste: Chili powder has a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness from the garlic and oregano. The heat level can vary depending on the type of chile pepper used in the blend.
- How Much To Use: When using chili powder in potato wedges or any other dish, start by adding 1 teaspoon per serving and adjust according to taste. Keep in mind that chili powder can be quite spicy so it’s best to start small and add more if needed.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice derived from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa, which belongs to the ginger family.
It has a bright yellow-orange color and an earthy, slightly bitter flavor.
- Taste: Turmeric has a warm, peppery taste with hints of ginger and orange. Its flavor is subtle but distinct and it adds depth to dishes without overpowering them.
- How Much To Use: When using turmeric in potato wedges, start by adding 1/4 teaspoon per 4 servings (1 pound) of potatoes. You can adjust the amount according to your preference for more or less flavor.
10. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that is typically dried and ground into a powder.
It has a bright red color and ranges from mild to very hot in terms of its heat level.
The name cayenne comes from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, where it was first cultivated by the French colonists.
- Taste: Cayenne pepper has a sharp, spicy flavor with hints of smokiness. Its heat level can vary depending on how much capsaicin (the compound responsible for its spiciness) it contains, but it’s usually quite hot.
- How Much To Use: When using cayenne pepper to season potato wedges, start with 1/4 teaspoon per pound of potatoes and adjust according to your taste preferences. Keep in mind that the spice will become more intense as the potatoes cook, so you may want to use less than you think you need at first.
Conclusion
In conclusion, potato wedges are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be spiced up with the right combination of spices.
The best spices for potato wedges are sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
Adding a combination of these spices will bring out the natural flavor of the potatoes and add an extra kick of flavor that will take your wedges to the next level.
So, the next time you’re looking for a tasty side dish, consider spicing up your potato wedges with one or more of these delicious spices.
The 10 Best Spices for Potato Wedges
Ingredients
- Sea Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Black Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Dried Oregano
- Cumin
- Chili Powder
- Turmeric
- Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Pick your favorite spices from this list to add flavor to your potato wedges.
- Prepare the rest of your meal, and enjoy!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.