As a Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) Nanny with 20 years of experience, I’ve discovered that keeping a variety of flavors on hand makes creating adventurous, nutritious meals easy and stress-free! Different spices and herbs can make mealtime exciting for your little ones, allowing you to even explore a “theme” each week. Whether it’s Indian spices or Middle Eastern flavors, introducing these tastes helps babies develop a love for diverse flavors.
All-Purpose Spice Collection 🌿
These versatile basics are must-haves for any pantry:
• Essentials: Bay leaves, black peppercorns, ground cardamom, cayenne, cinnamon (ground & sticks), coriander, crushed red-pepper flakes, cumin, curry powder, dried oregano, ground ginger, nutmeg, paprika (smoked & regular), turmeric.
How to Use: Add depth and warmth to any dish, making them perfect for quick, nutritious meals.
Middle Eastern Flavors 🌞
Bring bold, zesty flavors to the table with these essentials:
• Essentials: Fresh/dried mint, parsley, dill, cilantro, lemon juice, preserved lemon, pomegranate molasses, za’atar, sumac, Aleppo pepper, cumin, coriander, saffron.
• Flavor Profile: Middle Eastern flavors bring brightness to roasted veggies, grains, and salads.
Indian Flavors 🌶️
Warm and aromatic, these spices make meals comforting and rich:
• Essentials: Amchur (dried mango powder), cayenne/red chile, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, ginger, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, garam masala, fenugreek, turmeric, tamarind.
• Flavor Profile: Ideal for stews, curries, and rice dishes, adding complexity and comfort.
Japanese/Chinese Flavors 🍜
For umami-rich dishes, try these Japanese and Chinese staples:
• Essentials: Ginger, scallions, garlic, sesame oil, five-spice powder, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, red chiles.
• Flavor Profile: These flavors bring savory depth to stir-fries, soups, and sauces.
Southeast Asian (Thai/Vietnamese/Philippines) Flavors 🌴
Southeast Asian spices add brightness and complexity to meals:
• Essentials: Ginger/galangal, garlic, tamarind, coconut milk, lemongrass, shallots, curry paste, fish sauce, red/green chiles.
• Flavor Profile: Perfect for tangy, vibrant dishes like soups and salads.
Introducing New Flavors to Babies
If you’re beginning your baby’s BLW journey, here’s how I safely introduce spices: I cut up sweet potatoes, using my pointer and middle finger as a guide for width and length, and perform the “mush test” for softness. I then divide the sweet potato into 3–5 batches, sprinkling each with a different spice. Introduce each batch over 3 days, observing any reactions, and consult your pediatrician before starting solids.
Note: Avoid honey, sugar, and salt for infants under one year old. Remember, I’m a BLW nanny sharing tips from experience, not medical advice—always consult your child’s pediatrician when introducing new foods!
Which spices and herbs do you usually use?
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