Winter calls for comfort food that’s rich in flavour, aroma, and warmth. At Gertrude Grocer, our spice aisle is stocked with premium global spices that can transform your kitchen into an international culinary adventure. Instead of just highlighting the spices, today we bring you full recipes inspired by global comfort dishes — each bursting with the spices and ingredients you can find right here at Gertrude Grocer.
Why Cook with Spices from Gertrude Grocer?
Our curated spice selection includes authentic blends and single-origin spices sourced from around the world. Whether you’re using smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, or chipotle powder, these spices add depth and character to your meals, especially during the cooler months.
Here are five inspiring recipes from different cultures, featuring spices from our shelves:
1. Moroccan Chicken Tagine
A fragrant, slow-cooked stew full of warm spices and tender chicken.
Key spices: Ras el Hanout (Moroccan spice blend), cinnamon, turmeric
Ingredients:
-
4 chicken thighs
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 large onion, sliced
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tsp Ras el Hanout
-
1/2 tsp cinnamon
-
1 tsp turmeric
-
1 cup chicken stock
-
1 preserved lemon, chopped (optional)
-
1/2 cup green olives
-
Fresh coriander to garnish
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a tagine or heavy pot. Brown chicken thighs, set aside. Sauté onion and garlic with spices until fragrant. Add chicken back with stock, preserved lemon, and olives. Simmer covered for 40 minutes. Serve with couscous or crusty bread.
2. Indian Butter Chicken
Creamy, spiced curry that’s rich and comforting.
Key spices: Garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder
Ingredients:
-
500g chicken breast, diced
-
2 tbsp ghee or butter
-
1 onion, finely chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tsp grated ginger
-
1 tbsp garam masala
-
1 tsp cumin
-
1 tsp coriander powder
-
1/2 tsp chili powder
-
400g canned tomatoes
-
100ml cream
-
Fresh coriander to garnish
Instructions:
Heat ghee, fry onions, garlic, and ginger until soft. Add spices and cook 1 minute. Add chicken, cook until browned. Stir in tomatoes, simmer 20 mins. Stir in cream, cook 5 mins. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with basmati rice.
3. Mexican Mole Sauce
A rich, complex sauce with chocolate and smoky spices.
Key spices: Chipotle powder, cinnamon, cumin
Ingredients:
-
2 dried chipotle chilies
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 small onion, chopped
-
2 garlic cloves
-
1 tsp cinnamon
-
1 tsp cumin
-
1 tbsp cocoa powder
-
400g canned tomatoes
-
1 tbsp peanut butter
-
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Soak chipotle chilies in hot water. Blend chilies with onion, garlic, and tomatoes. Heat oil, add cinnamon, cumin, and cocoa powder. Stir in blended sauce and peanut butter. Simmer 20 mins. Serve with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
4. Middle Eastern Lentil Soup
Hearty, spiced soup with earthy flavours.
Key spices: Cumin, coriander, turmeric
Ingredients:
-
1 cup red lentils
-
1 onion, chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 carrot, diced
-
1 tsp cumin
-
1 tsp coriander powder
-
1/2 tsp turmeric
-
1.5 litres vegetable stock
-
Lemon wedges to serve
Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot. Add spices, cook 1 minute. Add lentils and stock, simmer 30 minutes until lentils are soft. Blend slightly if desired. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.
5. Thai Green Curry
A vibrant curry with fresh herbs and spices.
Key spices: Green curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, coriander
Ingredients:
-
400ml coconut milk
-
2 tbsp green curry paste
-
300g chicken or tofu, diced
-
1 red capsicum, sliced
-
1 cup green beans
-
Fresh basil and coriander
-
Steamed jasmine rice to serve
Instructions:
Heat curry paste in a pan, stir in coconut milk. Add chicken/tofu and vegetables. Simmer 10-15 minutes until cooked through. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with rice.
Shop Your Spices & Ingredients at Gertrude Grocer
At Gertrude Grocer, you’ll find all the authentic spices and fresh ingredients needed to create these warming, comforting global dishes. Whether you’re after Moroccan ras el hanout, Indian garam masala, or Mexican chipotle powder, we stock premium quality products to elevate your cooking.
Visit us in-store at Carlton or Kensington, or shop online for easy click & collect.
Final Thoughts
Winter is the perfect time to experiment with new flavours and bring global comfort foods to your table. With Gertrude Grocer’s premium spice collection and fresh produce, your next home-cooked meal can be an international celebration of warmth, taste, and tradition.