We got talking about spice racks in our pre-show meeting this morning, and it turns out we all have a LOT of spices hanging around our presses, generally unused - and a bit stinky.
We asked the listeners of The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show to get spicy – and spicy they got!
My young fella gone mad into spices he has the press in the kitchen full of stuff - I wouldn't even know where to put them!
Cardamen pods, all spice and cumin seeds all go fabulously in a Balti. From Alan Sievewright in Cork
Hi Ian, A friend of mine cooks a lot of Indian using the ingredient Geeh. While they were having a dinner their 5 year old walked in and announced "god.., there's an awful smell of Geeh in here" .... Silence... Ball breaking laughter. Vince: Sligo
My brother in law brought me a jar of "breath of camel-ass" spice. From morocco. Hot, sour with a real earthy flavour. Only used it once. Ruined a great curry on me john in Newbridge
I have Ras el hanout (a Morrocan spice blend). I use it to give soups a bit if an oomph! Martina in Goatstown
Panko Breadcrumbs don't go off. Star anise is great in beef - try in bolognese or stew. Just take it out before serving!
Ian. I have whole Cardamom pods for a couple of years now. Used in chilli con carne until my family objected to them. Languishing at the back of the press now.
Juniper berries on the spice rack... rarely used. Yvonne
Hi Ian. My most exotic spice is sumac. It’s Middle Eastern. Eddie
My spice cupboard is full of blue spices – very exotic! Colette. In Wexford
Whole star aniseed. Still not sure what to do with it! Peter Grange, on the daily commute. Love the show
Hi Ian, I have saffron...never used it. Love the Italian herbs though - they go on everything! Bill the bus driver in Maynooth
Big up to this honest listener:
I've got star anise on my spice rack without a clue what to do with it. I just want to look to hip around my hipster friends.
And special mention to Noel who's having a love affair with Smoked Paprika:
I do like me Smoked Paprika, so I do Iano. I do indeed, indeedn' I do an' dat. Oh, sweet divine... Noel, Avoca
