How do you season your food?

I agree Mrs. Dash makes great flavors. The only one I did not like was the original and/or the table blend. I used the extra spicy where I would use Cajun seasoning.

I grew up with salt, pepper, seasoned pepper, red pepper flakes and Tony Chachere's. That is what mom used most often. Now I make my own spice blends.

soupspiceeverythingnice.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

I tend to used fresh herbs and spices whenever possible. They have a more intense flavur than many dried ones and look nice in my kitchen widow.
I still do have a large range of dried spices in my cupboard ranging from basics like cinnamon (love using that) to dried lavender. I tend to use a lot more of a variety now in spices. On the internet you can find a lot of information on how and what to use.
I am consious of salt content and it is one of the reasons why I avoid commercial spice mixes as one of the main ingredients is often salt.

Garlic, ginger, smoked paprika and oregano are my favourites

Typically we only use sea salt for most things. My SO has crohn's and most seasonings cause a reaction for him, including pepper. Since I do the cooking, I make sure I use minimal seasoning for his portion and only break out the works when I'm cooking just for myself.

spongebobelaine wrote: »

Thanks all!
I don't live in the states but I will try to look for Mrs dash.
I'm not good at gardening probably will kill the herbs
Someone told me spicy sauce is low calorie but I don't know which one she is talking about. Is all spicy sauce low calorie?

Hot sauce while low in calories, is typically high in sodium. How about just adding some jalapenos instead?

What are you cooking?
Most spices or herbs are very low calorie so just experiment. Try different ethnic recipes.
I have a cabinet full of spices. I use garlic and onions a lot in cooking.
Vinegars, lemon juice, lime juice, salsa, hot sauce don't add many calories.

Fresh Basil, oregano & italian flatleaf parsley. Fiesta brand lemon and herb seasoning is great on almost anything.

spongebobelaine wrote: »

I'm right now just using black pepper and salt. I have tried some dried herbs but I really can't taste anything.
Any low calorie seasoning you can think of?
Thanks very much

Are they old? They turn to a vaguely scented dust after a while, especially if they're not sealed well. Buy a couple of new ones and see if they taste better. I love rosemary, or even just a general Italian-type seasoning.

Salt, pepper and lots of different spices. Trial and error. Some spices are much more flavorful than others so it might take some time to find some good ones.

Some other options I like: Vinegar (there are various types with different flavors), citrus juices (not just lemon, but also lime or orange), prepared mustard (most are low in calories - check the label), smoked paprika, flavorful low-sodium broth, cumin/turmeric, chopped pickles, hot peppers (milder ones if you're not up for major heat), even unsweetened cocoa powder (in tomato-based sauces as well as with sweeter things), onions that have been slowly browned in a heavy pan.

Oven-roasting veggies gives them a richer flavor on their own, too, if you let them get a little browned.

You can also check into the characteristic spice blends that go with various national cuisines. Pick up a cookbook (even at the library) and check out what makes Mexican food taste Mexican, or Italian food taste Italian. Indian cooking has a rich tradition of spices, and the Asian cuisines have their own flavors.

Get spices/herbs at a bulk food or health food store so you can get smaller quantities to try, and they're usually fresher, too. Or try fresh herbs from the market, and grow your own if you decide you like them.

I like to make a fake Asian peanut sauce with PB2 peanut butter powder, maybe a bit of toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar and soy sauce, and use it on veggies. I'd add chopped garlic, chopped green onions, and/or fresh ginger if I had some on hand, and often add hot sauce.

Creole, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, cumin, tumeric, ginger, chili powder, italian seasoning, cilantro, and smoked paprika are all staples in our home. The garlic goes in EVERYTHING! !

Toasted cumin seeds, smoked paprika, toasted pine nuts/sesame seeds/sunflower seeds (not a seasoning but add a lot of flavor for low calories), lots of fresh chopped herbs are some of my favorites. Japanese rice seasonings are fun, and are also great on salads. Almost anything benefits from a squeeze of lemon (or a dash of balsamic) and some salt. And for summer I absolutely love a simple dressing of sumac, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, salt/pepper. Olive oil has fat but is so good for you so I drizzle it on lots of things at the end!!