Garlic might just be one of the most versatile and delicious ingredients out there. It’s used all over the world, so you’ll find it in a breathtaking range of recipes.
No matter what you’re making, if it’s savory, you can probably throw some garlic in it. But are there things you can use with garlic to make it even tastier?
The answer is yes! We’ve gathered this list of spices that go with garlic to help you enhance that garlicky flavor.
1. Allspice
Some people will tell you that garlic shouldn’t be used with the warming spices traditionally used in baking, such as allspice. However, we think the heat of garlic will only be accentuated by allspice’s warming quality.
Learn more about how to use garlic in our guide about what garlic tastes like.
2. Anise
Anise might be another sweeter spice that you’d think is weird with garlic. Although anise is indeed a bit sweet, we think it has a hint of pepperiness that does wonders for increasing the kick of garlic.
3. Basil
You’ll taste a lot of the same elements from anise in basil. It has a faint sweetness underlying its bright and fresh taste. It could work especially well with cooked garlic, which also takes on a sweeter taste as it caramelizes.
Want to grow your own basil? Here is our list of the best planters for basil.
4. Bay Leaves
Dried bay leaves have a strong taste with some bitterness. It can be tempered with garlic’s warming trait.
5. Caraway
The taste of caraway is a complicated one. Discerning tasters will notice a tiny bit of anise’s sweetness, citrus’s brightness, and its own spice. It will give garlic even more dimension and versatility.
6. Cilantro
The refreshing and green flavor of cilantro works particularly well with garlic in various Mexican dishes. It will result in a lively lemony taste accompanied by an aromatic heat.
7. Coriander
This spice is very common in curry powder. It has a warming quality like garlic that heats you right up when you eat this combination.
Read Also: What Does Coriander Taste Like?
8. Cumin
We don’t know about you, but we think the combination of cumin and garlic sounds mouthwateringly delicious! Imagine a low earthiness brightened considerably by the pungency of garlic and you’ll see what we mean.
9. Dill
You’ll know dill when you taste it. It has a strong, fresh taste that will contrast with garlic’s spiciness.
10. Fenugreek
By itself, fenugreek might taste too bitter for some people. However, with a little cooked garlic, you can tone down that bitter flavor using some caramelly sweetness.
11. Ginger
Ginger has a lot in common garlic, like their shared heat. As a bonus, though, ginger has a brilliant flash of citrus in it, which is perfect to combine with both raw and cooked garlic.
12. Marjoram
When you eat anything with marjoram in it, you might notice that it’s warming and a little bit sweet. With cooked garlic, this would create a more pronounced sweetness.
13. Mustard Seed
Your experience with mustard seed will be different based on which color you eat. Using yellow mustard seeds will create a pleasant spicy-sweet flavor. Go with black mustard seed if you want your garlic and mustard to produce the hottest possible taste.
Related Article: What Does Mustard Seed Taste Like?
14. Oregano
If you shake some dried oregano into your garlic, expect a pleasant experience. You’ll taste a more dramatic sweetness, especially if you use caramelized garlic.
15. Paprika
We think pairing paprika with garlic would create an absolutely dreamy combination. Your paprika could taste sweet or spicy, and either one will work to complement garlic’s own sweetness and heat.
16. Parsley
The flavor of parsley is delightfully green with zippy peppery hints. Partnering it with garlic will create a lively taste that’s equal parts invigorating and spicy.
17. Pepper
One spice you can combine with anything savory is pepper. You can technically use this tangy, hot spice with some sweet things, too, which makes it wonderful for both raw and cooked garlic.
18. Rosemary
If you like spiciness that’s more peppery than just pure heat, we’d recommend adding rosemary to your garlic. Its bitter and peppery profile will help enhance garlic’s spice in a way that has real dimension.
19. Thyme
You may not know this, but thyme is actually related to mint. Because of this, it will have a muted cooling effect that works well at toning down the burn of garlic.
20. Turmeric
You’re probably familiar with turmeric in Indian food for the vivid yellowy color it gives to recipes. We think its bold citrusy flavor works wonderfully with both caramelized and raw garlic.
You May Also Like: Where Can I find Turmeric in the Grocery Store?
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
