The fragrances and flavors of fall are simply irresistible and just the inspiration we need to roll up our sleeves and get creative in the kitchen. First things first, always take an inventory of the spice rack before stocking up on your favorite fall ingredients. We’re sharing our list of essential herbs and spices and how we incorporate them to any home chefs who want to level up their kitchen skills. Discover what professional chefs already know: enhancing a meal is all about finding right flavor pairings.

Essential Fall Flavors

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use spices and herbs to create unforgettable meals using premium quality RiceSelect® rice, quinoa and pasta. Plus, we’ll show you some of our favorite fall recipes along the way.

Rosemary

Rosemary has a citrusy pine-like flavor. This intense herbal profile is unmatched and brings a distinct Mediterranean brightness to grilled lamb, potatoes, chicken, and roasted vegetables. If you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner, you will most certainly be using rosemary! This velvety Rosemary Pumpkin Risotto is always a hit during the holidays.

Cumin

Cumin is unique in that it is both earthy and sweet. Though it’s never the headliner, it’s always a game changer. It’s common in Tex-Mex taco seasonings, Indian curries, and as a table seasoning during Moroccan meals. It brings complexity to spice rubs like in couscous recipes this Chicken Shawarma & Turmeric Couscous Salad.


While cumin can be used throughout the year, we definitely find ourselves using it more when it starts to cool down and the chilis, soups, and stews cravings pick up. When you’re in the mood for a heart soup, this Lentil & Turmeric Pearl Couscous Soup Recipe is spiced to perfection and never fails to satisfy!

Cardamom

Cardamom is used for sweet and savory dishes because it goes well with cinnamon, cloves, and saffron as well as chocolate.

From breakfast chai to spice rubs, cardamom is a key ingredient in Indian cuisine.

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl With Tahini

Savory: Check out the cooking process for this Indian Royal Blend® Chicken Biryani: sautéeing spices and using liquids other than water when making rice add a lot of flavor.

Sweet: From a morning chai tea to a late night spiced dessert, cardamom is always within reach when making sweet Indian-inspired treats. This creamy Indian Style Sweet Sticky Rice Pudding is a perfect way to end a meal!

Cardamom is also quite common in Middle Eastern inspired recipes:

Nothing wakes up taste buds like this Breakfast Couscous with Orange and Dates Recipe.

This Quinoa Breakfast Bowl With Tahini Recipe is packed with tangy citrus, sweet honey, and a blend of fall spices – not just cardamom but also cinnamon and nutmeg. Plus, RiceSelect® White Quinoa has a mild taste, which lends well to bold flavors.

Ginger

Ginger packs a pungent tangy flavor and is often used in curries, stir-fries, teas, and baked goods. Ginger tastes particularly delicious when paired with garlic.

Jasmati® Rice and Marinated Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

This incredible stir fry combination created by Lauren Arboleda includes Jasmati® Rice, assorted vegetables and marinated tofu.

Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Black Rice

Fragrant and flavorful, this creamy Thai green curry with tofu is loaded with lots of colorful veggies. Serve this mild curry over a bed of our Premium Black Rice.

Curry Risotto with Baked Salmon Recipe

Creamy curry risotto serves as a gorgeous base for crispy baked salmon in this crowd-pleasing meal. Prepare for a weeknight dinner or as a delectable date night meal.

Cloves

Woody yet sweet, cloves bring warmth to our favorite fall recipes. From mulled wine to sweet breads, cloves go well with an array of foods including carrots, chocolate, fruit, onions, potatoes and sweet breads. Taste for yourself in two of our favorite decadent recipes: Red-Wine Braised Duck with Royal Blend® Rice and Wine-Poached Halibut with Celery Root Puree.

Chef Tip: Keeping whole cloves in your pantry is recommended because it has a bolder flavor. If you don’t have whole cloves, you can use ground cloves (just reduce the amount by ¼).


Saffron

Sweet yet earthy, saffron has a strong floral aroma and gives many dishes a golden hue. These threads can be found in international favorites including creamy Italian risotto, Spanish paella, Persian Jeweled Rice with Dried Fruit and Nuts, and Indian biryani. For a sophisticated side dish, prepare this Lime Saffron Rice and plate it alongside lamb or seafood.

Allspice

Allspice tastes like a mix of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. It complements fall favorites like carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and apples as well as pork, poultry, and stews.

It is used in many Caribbean recipes.

Instant Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Grilled Jerk Eggplant

This hearty vegetarian dish is bursting with Caribbean flavors that will wow any crowd! Serve it any time of year from a comforting winter dinner to an outdoor summer BBQ.

Jerk Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl with Thai Slaw Jerk Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl with Thai Slaw
Jerk Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl with Thai Slaw Jerk Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl with Thai Slaw
Jerk Shrimp Quinoa Bowl With Thai Slaw Recipe

Get swept up in the satisfying taste and vibrant colors of this fusion quinoa power bowl inspired by the flavors of Caribbean and Thai cuisine.

Coconut Quinoa Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe

Rubbed with jerk spices and baked in the oven, this tasty chicken is served with fragrant coconut quinoa and a zesty black bean and pineapple salsa.

Allspice also tastes great in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Chicken, Cracked Olive and Couscous Tagine Recipe

Create your own flavorful Moroccan-inspired tagine using marinated chicken, seasonings, cracked olives and RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous.

Grilled Pork, Couscous & Dried Cherry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe Grilled Pork, Couscous & Dried Cherry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe
Grilled Pork, Couscous & Dried Cherry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe Grilled Pork, Couscous & Dried Cherry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe
Grilled Pork, Couscous and Dried Cherry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

This summery Grilled Pork, Couscous and Dried Cherry Salad tossed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette makes for a refreshing dish to make all year round.

Couscous and Swiss Chard Tabbouleh Recipe

Packed with nutrient-dense Swiss chard and lots of herbs, this zesty couscous tabbouleh salad is light and refreshing. It makes a great side dish for barbecues and potlucks.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

While this is technically a blend of spices – allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace and nutmeg – we’d be remiss if we didn’t include pumpkin pie spice. Slightly spicy but plenty sweet, this mix spices up both sweet and savory plates. As soon as temperatures drop, requests for this Pumpkin Spice Latte Rice Pudding start rolling in.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, a perfect spice pairing or one of our shrimp and rice recipes – we will surely take your recipes to the next level. As a home chef, you’ll want to stay connected with @RiceSelect so you won’t miss the latest tips, tricks, and recipes!