Do you have a jar of vadouvan in the kitchen cupboard but aren't sure what to make with it? You are not alone. This aromatic spice mix is incredibly versatile and adds a lot of flavor to your dish with just a small amount.
In this article you'll discover 10 simple ways to use vadouvan, from creamy soups to roasted vegetables and flavorful marinades.
What is vadouvan?
Vadouvan is a mild, fragrant spice blend with French and Indian influences. The mix often contains spices such as cumin, coriander, mustard seed, turmeric and fenugreek, complemented by dried onion and garlic. This gives it a warm, slightly sweet and savory flavor.
If you're not yet familiar with this special blend, also read our extensive blog ‘What is vadouvan?’ for more background information.
1. Make a creamy zucchini soup
Vadouvan and zucchini make a surprisingly good combination. The vegetable's mild flavor gains extra depth from the warm spices.
Looking for inspiration? Try our recipe for zucchini soup with vadouvan
2. Roast vegetables in the oven
Toss cauliflower, pumpkin, carrot or parsnip with olive oil and a generous teaspoon of vadouvan before putting them in the oven. During roasting the spices release a lovely aroma and the vegetables develop a rich flavor.
3. Marinate chicken
Mix vadouvan with olive oil, lemon juice and optionally Greek yogurt and use this as a marinade for chicken breast or thighs. Let it sit for at least half an hour for the best result.
4. Give potatoes more character
Whether you're frying baby potatoes, making mashed potatoes or roasting potatoes: a little vadouvan provides a surprising twist. Especially in combination with butter and fresh parsley the flavor really shines.
5. Use it in curries and stews
Although vadouvan is milder than many curry powders, it is excellent for stews with chickpeas, lentils or chicken. Add the spices early in the cooking process so the aromas can develop well.
6. Make a flavorful butter
Mix soft butter with a teaspoon of vadouvan and a pinch of salt. Delicious on a baguette, grilled corn or a piece of grilled meat.
7. Stir into yogurt or mayonnaise
An easy dip is made by mixing vadouvan into Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. Nice with raw vegetables, sweet potato fries or as a sauce at a barbecue.
8. Season fish and shrimp
Mild white fish, salmon and shrimp pair excellently with the aromatic spice mix. Rub the fish with some olive oil and vadouvan and pan-fry or grill as desired.
9. Make a spiced dressing
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, a little mustard and half a teaspoon of vadouvan into a dressing for salads with roasted vegetables, lentils or couscous.
10. Sprinkle over roasted chickpeas
Toss drained chickpeas with oil and vadouvan and roast them until crispy in the oven or airfryer. A delicious snack or topping for salads and soups.
Which vadouvan should you choose?
For a balanced flavor you can choose the French Kiss Vadouvan from Natural Spices. This spice mix was developed to be easy to use in soups, vegetables, fish, meat and vegetarian dishes.
View the spice mix here: https://www.naturalspices.nl/french-kiss-vadouvan
Frequently asked questions
1. How much vadouvan should you use?
For most dishes one to two teaspoons is sufficient for four people.
2. Should you fry vadouvan with the dish?
Yes. By briefly frying the spices in oil or butter the aromas are released even more.
3. Does vadouvan suit vegetarian dishes?
Absolutely. The spice mix pairs excellently with cauliflower, pumpkin, chickpeas, lentils and other vegetables.
4. Can you use vadouvan in soup?
Yes. Especially creamy vegetable soups like zucchini, pumpkin and cauliflower soup gain extra depth from vadouvan.
5. Is vadouvan spicy?
No. The flavor is mainly warm, aromatic and slightly sweet, without pronounced heat.
