Level up your pasta with these six essential spices

Pasta doesn’t have to rely only on cheese and sauces, sometimes, the real magic lies in the spices. With the right additions, you can transform a simple dish into something aromatic, bold, and restaurant-worthy. Here are six spices that can instantly level up your pasta game. (unsplash)

Aleppo Pepper: A Mediterranean favourite that offers a moderate, fruity heat and a salty, oily texture. It is the "sophisticated cousin" of standard red chili flakes. (wikimedia commons)

Black Garlic Powder: It adds a balsamic-like sweetness and deep savoury notes to mushroom pastas or simple Aglio e Olio. (amazon.in)

Nutmeg: The secret behind every great Béchamel or Lasagna. A tiny grating of fresh nutmeg enhances the sweetness of dairy and offsets the bitterness of spinach. (unsplash)

Saffron: The ultimate luxury for seafood or creamy white sauces. Just a few strands steeped in warm water create a vibrant golden hue and a floral, earthy aroma. (wikimedia commons)

Smoked Paprika: Essential for vegetarian pasta to add a "meaty," campfire depth. Use a dash in creamy sauces to mimic the flavour of pancetta or bacon. (wikimedia commons)

Sumac: A tangy, citrusy spice that provides a "bright" finish. It’s perfect for seafood pastas or cold pasta salads where you want the acidity of lemon without the liquid. (wikimedia commons)