What To Cook With This Month
by Holly Thomson
With renewed warmth in the air, and the change in season - we're filling our kitchen with fragrance. This month, our pick of ingredients to cook with are floral, herbal, spiced and aromatic.
Expand the breadth of your store cupboard with Alissa Timoshkina's stunning new cookbook, Kapusta.
Plus our pick of ingredients to inspire this month.
3 Recipes to try this month
Alissa Timoshkina is a London-based food writer, historian, and culinary teacher specializing in Eastern European cuisine. Her brand new book Kapusta is a veg-first collection of recipes from across the region.
Tatar Pilaw
Vegan Borsch with Mushrooms and Prunes
Eastern European 'Spag Bol'
9 amazing ingredients to try this month
Saffron is one of the world’s most treasured spices, often referred to as ‘vegetable gold’ or ‘red gold’—though its value surpasses that of the precious metal itself! The Middle East is the largest producer, cultivating around 90% of the world’s saffron, while Spain also plays a significant role in its production. Smaller quantities are grown in select regions of Greece and India, adding to the global tapestry of this luxurious spice.
Kashmiri chilli powder is the secret to deep red curries and perfectly spiced tandoori dishes. Made from the dried skins of Kashmiri chillies—known for their rich color and mild heat—this spice delivers a gentle warmth with bright, fruity notes. It’s a must-have for vindaloos and kebabs, adding depth without overwhelming heat. Beyond its role as a dry spice, mix it with olive oil to create a vibrant marinade for chicken or white fish, infusing dishes with both color and subtle spice.
Dried barberries, or zereshk (also known as zirishk or pipperages), are tiny, tangy fruits that bring a burst of sharp, citrusy flavor to dishes—much like a dried cranberry. They grow on the berberis tree, often found in the same regions as saffron, making them a natural culinary pairing.
Dried wild morel mushrooms, known as morchella, are a coveted woodland delicacy, prized for their intricate honeycomb caps and delicate, fawn-colored stems. This pack contains the finest quality morels—grown in the wild, hand-harvested in late spring and early summer, and meticulously selected for their shape and size. Their rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture make them a luxurious addition to risottos, sauces, and creamy pastas, bringing depth and complexity to every dish.
Whole pimento allspice is one of the most important Caribbean spices. It brings a warm sweetness to jerk seasoning. The whole berries are also a popular ingredient in pickling brine.
Fennel seeds bring a delicate sweetness with warm anise notes, adding depth to both sweet and savory dishes. A staple in baking, they lend their distinctive flavor to rye breads and biscuits, while just a pinch can elevate roasted vegetables with a gentle, aromatic warmth. Versatile and fragrant, fennel seeds are a simple way to add complexity to your cooking.
A handful of juicy, pitted prunes makes for a naturally sweet and satisfying snack—perfect for an energy boost after school or work. For a wholesome breakfast, pair them with creamy yogurt and a drizzle of honey, balancing their rich, caramel-like flavor with a touch of freshness.
This aromatic oil brings together Galantino’s finest Italian extra virgin olive oil with a fragrant blend of Mediterranean herbs. Produced in Puglia using time-honored methods passed down through generations, it’s infused with basil, thyme, oregano, dill, and tarragon—capturing the essence of Italian sunshine in every drop. Smooth and fruity, it’s perfect for drizzling over fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or warm focaccia.
Terre Exotique’s flower mix is a stunning way to add color and flavor to your dishes. A delicate blend of cornflower, marigold, and rose petals, it brings a balance of fresh, fruity, and gently bitter notes—perfect for sprinkling over goat’s cheese salads or tomato galettes. With a heady, honey-like fragrance, this floral mix adds both beauty and depth to your culinary creations.
