Spice mixes / sauce recipe go to

[jingleybellss]

Hello! I am looking to get a few easy go to spice mixes/sauce recipes that I can throw together. I currently have no idea!

Looking to improve my diet and eat more fresh whole foods however my skills are lacking.

Any go to simple throw together recipes that are tasty/easy/family friendly.

E.g and good sauce or spices to add to chicken/fish other meat in a pan or slow cooker that can be served with veg/rice etc?

I can throw together a bolognaise and chilli but beyond that everything ends up bland and boring.

I'd have a look at some of the Gousto recipes. One that we really like is a honey and Harris's salmon recipe which is ready in about 10 minutes.

Tex mex spice mix: smoked paprika / paprika / cumin / chilli / onion or garlic powder / salt and pepper

I do a nice sauce for fish from whatever white stuff I have (soured cream, creme fraiche, Greek yoghurt) with some veg bouillon, lemon juice, dill, parsley, salt and pepper

If you fry meat in a pan, then add a splash of wine, a stick pot and some more white stuff (see above) that makes a decent sauce for most things. Add mustard or Worcestershire sauce for a kick and also any herbs - Rosemary good for lamb, thyme for chicken

If you can afford a couple of 'simply cook' boxes they are great at teaching techniques and flavours then you can be more confident to freestyle

I've always got tomato sauce in the freezer.
Sweat 2 finely chopped onions in olive oil, add some chopped garlic when they're almost cooked, add 2 tins of toms & mash them, a squeeze of tom purée & some red wine (optional), s+p, & cook until thick.
Freeze in suitable portion sizes, & ready to use in many different ways.

Asian supermarkets have a lot of easy sauces. I like the golden curry blocks, katsu paste, Pad Thai paste, Hoisin sauce, chilli crisp/fermented black beans plus a ton of others! Add in some dumplings and knife cut noodles and you can make something much nicer, quicker, cheaper and healthier than a takeaway.

Tex mex spice mix: smoked paprika / paprika / cumin / chilli / onion or garlic powder / salt and pepper

I use this, but add dried coriander and oregano, then fry onions and peppers which have been covered with the spice mix on a griddle pan, add diced chicken. Then roast a flatbread, when toasted, smear Houmous on top, then add the chicken/ veg mix. Is v tasty! ( this was a spice mix I got when using Simply Cook, I just make my own version now. Simply Cook are a good way to try new flavour combinations )

Red pesto makes a lovely sauce in minutes. Just marinate some diced chicken... anything from 5 minutes to an hour. Fry with chopped peppers and onions ... add veg / chicken stock and some cream. Serve with rice.

Another great discovery of mine is "base". It's onions, carrots and celery minced in equal parts - I sometimes add a bit of garlic or fresh parsley or sage or whatever herbs you want.

You can fry it with tomato puree and make a tomato sauce (add smoked Paprika and passata) , or a curry (any curry spice or paste and coconut milk) or use it for soup and casseroles... you won't need a stock cube only some seasoning. Any leftover fried or raw can be frozen in silicone ice cube trays!
Honestly it's so easy and makes delicious food!

@OP I really hope you won't think I'm being dismissive of your cooking skills, but for basic reference you really can't get much better than this, all free and online:
https://www.deliaonline.com/how-to-cook (search for 'sauces')
If I had my way, I'd get a copy sent to all school-leavers, male and female.

Re spices, several wholefood suppliers sell spices cheaply, and in interesting mixes. This is not an advert but I buy mine from 'buywholefoodsonline' (you'll find 'spice mixes' on their drop-down menu)
Other wholefood sellers are available.

Thanks all some great ideas! A base sauce in the freezer sounds like a good idea too .

I roast chicken legs or thighs sprinkled with oregano, garlic salt, the juice of a lemon and chicken stock. Also works with pork.

I really like zaa'tar, it's a delicious herb mix.

Chop some veg to similar sizes, onions/peppers/courgettes/ whatever, put in a tray with some chicken. Chuck some olive oil and zaa'tar over it and mix up. In the oven until it's all nicely cooked.

Add some rice or cous cous for dinner, make enough to have in a wrap the next day for lunch.

I always have this. You can buy bags fresh or frozen but I make my own and put into freezer bags as it's so cheap and makes loads.

Use for the base in chilli, curry, casseroles, soups.