If you're looking for a cooking technique that delivers incredible flavour without the time commitment, roasting is about to become your secret weapon. Vegetables with deep, caramelized sweetness, meats with perfectly crispy edges, even fruit, transform into something extraordinary when roasted.
How do you achieve this deliciousness? High heat, quality ingredients, and Spicewalla's fresh and flavourful spices and blends come together to create memorable dishes that truly shine.
Let's break it down.
Roasting is Basically Kitchen Sorcery
Here's how it works: you set your oven to somewhere between 375°F and 450°F, and the consistent, dry heat works its magic.
It draws moisture to the surface where it evaporates, leaving behind beautiful, caramelized bits that deliver serious flavour. It also locks moisture in during this process to deliver amazingly tender interior and crispy exterior - the perfect match in our opinion.
As long as you can follow some simple roasting rules, you’ll get consistently satisfying results and will be the crispy and tender expert in your kitchen.
The Essential Roasting Rules
Start with Dry Ingredients
This step is non-negotiable for achieving crispiness. Pat everything down with a clean towel before it hits the pan. Excess moisture leads to steaming instead of roasting, and we're here for the golden, caramelized finish.
Use Oil
A light coating of oil will prevent sticking and promote even browning. Avocado, olive, or grapeseed oil all work beautifully, so choose whatever suits your taste.
Season with Confidence
This is where flavour happens. Be bold with salt and layer in your favorite Spicewalla blends. Good seasoning transforms simple ingredients into something memorable.
Allow Space
Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming rather than roasting. Give each piece room to breathe so the heat can work properly and create that caramelized exterior we're after.
Don't Shy Away from High Heat
Roasting thrives on higher temperatures. This isn't a low-and-slow method; embrace the heat and let your oven do what it does best.
Spice Pairing Cheat Sheet (AKA Your New Best Friend)
Not sure what to throw on what? Here's your cheat sheet guide to our favorite flavour pairings:
Sweet Potatoes + Green Cardamom: The natural sweetness in sweet potatoes paired with warming spices feels like the ultimate comfort food.
Brussels Sprouts + Za'atar: Earthy herbs meet tangy sumac for the perfect flavour balance that'll convert even the brussels haters.
Salmon + Carolina BBQ Rub: All the smoky sweet glory, zero grill required.
Cauliflower + Tandoori Masala: Creates a crazy flavourful crust with just the right kick. Suddenly cauliflower is the star of the show.
Chicken Thighs + Berbere: Fragrant, complex, and makes crispy skin even better (which we didn't think was possible).
The Roasting Blueprint:
No fancy recipe needed. Just follow this ratio and you're golden!
1. If you're roasting veg, chop everything into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. If it's meat, try to make sure each cut is about the same weight.
2. Drizzle with 1–2 tablespoons of oil per pound
3. Season with 1-2 tsp of your favorite Spicewalla blend + a healthy pinch salt
4. Roast at 425°F until things look caramelized and crispy, flipping halfway through
- Most veggies: 20–35 minutes
- Potatoes and Root Veggies: 35–45 minutes
- Chickpeas: 25–30 minutes
- Meats: until it reaches the minimum internal temperature
The Finishing Touch
Your roasted goodies just came out of the oven looking gorgeous. Now hit them with:
- Squeeze of fresh lemon
- Chopped herbs (cilantro, parsley, whatever you've got)
- Drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce
- Sprinkle of Spicewalla finishing salt
This is the chef's kiss moment! The element of a dish that adds brightness, contrast, and makes you feel like a true professional.
Congratulations! You are now a roasting wizard - go forth and eat well!