23 Powerful Spices That Start With P

Discover the vibrant world of spices that start with the letter “P,” adding bold flavors and aromatic richness to your culinary creations. From the fiery kick of paprika to the sweet warmth of cinnamon, these spices bring a spectrum of tastes and cultural traditions to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, exploring these “P” spices can spice up your kitchen adventures. Let’s delve into the delightful lineup of spices that begin with “P” and elevate your next me

1. Paddy Straw Mushrooms, Dried

Originating from Asian regions, dried Paddy Straw Mushrooms offer a savory, earthy flavor with a slightly chewy texture. They are used in various dishes to enhance umami and depth.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 40 calories
• Rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides that support immune health
• Contains essential amino acids and low in fat

Use in soups, stir-fries, or noodle dishes to add a rich mushroom flavor. Rehydrate before cooking.

• Best in broths, rice dishes, and Asian cuisines

Pairs well with soy sauce, ginger, or scallions. Suitable for low-calorie and immune-boosting diets.

2. Paella Seasoning

A flavorful blend inspired by Spanish cuisine, Paella Seasoning combines saffron, paprika, garlic, and herbs. It brings vibrant color and a fragrant aroma to rice dishes.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 80 calories
• Contains antioxidants like saffron and paprika
• Offers essential oils that promote digestion

Perfect for preparing traditional paella or rice-based recipes. Sprinkle directly into the cooking pot or marinade.

• Use in rice, seafood, chicken, or vegetable dishes

Pairs nicely with lemon, olive oil, or fresh herbs. Suitable for gluten-free and low-fat diets.

3. Panch Phoron (Bengali Five-Spice)

This Bengali spice blend features equal parts of cumin, fennel, mustard, fenugreek, and nigella seeds. It adds a warm, aromatic flavor to curries and pickles.

• Calories per 20g: about 50 calories
• Rich in antioxidants and essential oils
• Contains compounds like curcumin and diosgenin

Use in sautéing vegetables, lentils, or pickles. Add at the start of cooking for maximum flavor.

• Best in curries, chutneys, and spice blends

Pairs well with turmeric, lemon juice, or honey. Suitable for vegetarian and anti-inflammatory diets.

4. Paprika

Premium (120-140 ASTA)

From Hungary and Spain, premium paprika boasts a deep red color with a sweet, smoky flavor. It is ground from dried sweet peppers.

• Calories per 20g: about 60 calories
• High in antioxidants like carotenoids
• Contains capsaicin, contributing to its health benefits

Use in stews, rubs, or as a garnish for color and flavor. Adds a smoky or sweet touch depending on the variety.

• Best in grilled meats, vegetables, and sauces

Pairs with garlic, cumin, or lemon juice. Suitable for vegan, low-calorie diets.

Standard Grade (85-100 ASTA)

A milder paprika used to add flavor and color without intense smokiness. Ideal for everyday dishes.

• Calories per 20g: around 55 calories
• Contains antioxidants and vitamin C

Great in soups, eggs, and roasted vegetables.

Pairs well with basil or thyme. Suitable for general cooking needs.

Hungarian (Sweet)

Sweet Hungarian paprika is aromatic, mildly sweet, and vibrant. It is often used to add color and a pleasant flavor.

• Calories per 20g: 60 calories
• Rich source of antioxidants

Perfect for goulash, soups, and stews.

Pairs with onion, paprika, and parsley. Suitable for liver dishes or rice.

Hungarian Smoked (Bittersweet)

This paprika is smoked over wood, giving a rich smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness. It adds depth to hearty dishes.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 60 calories

Ideal in barbecue marinades, stews, or sprinkled on grilled meats.

Pairs well with garlic, cumin, or vinegar.

Hungarian Smoked (Sweet)

Sweet smoked paprika combines smoky aroma with a mild sweetness. It enhances flavor in many dishes.

• Calories per 20g: about 60 calories

Use in roasted vegetables, chicken, or potato dishes.

Pairs with thyme or lemon.

Spanish Smoked (Hot)

This spicy smoked paprika has a fiery kick with smoky richness. It adds heat and depth to dishes like chorizo and stews.

• Calories per 20g: around 60 calories

Use in Spanish rice, sauces, or grilled meats.

Pairs with garlic, cumin, and tomatoes.

5. Paracress (Acmella oleracea)

Commonly known as toothache plant, Paracress has a spicy, peppery flavor with a tingling sensation. It is popular in South American and Asian cuisines.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 50 calories
• Contains spilanthol, a compound known for its numbing effect
• Rich in antioxidants

Use fresh in salads, stir-fries, or pickles. Adds a unique flavor with a slight numbing taste.

• Ideal in small amounts for added zest

Suitable for flavoring healthy dishes and promoting circulation.

6. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Curly Parsley

A leafy herb with a fresh, slightly peppery flavor. It brightens up soups, salads, and garnishes.

Flat Leaf Parsley

Has a more robust flavor than curly parsley, perfect for cooking and seasoning dishes.

• Calories per 20g: about 4 calories
• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K

Use in salads, sauces, or as a garnish. Enhances flavor with minimal calories.

• Pairs with lemon, garlic, or olive oil

Ideal for low-calorie, nutrient-rich diets.

7. Pasilla Chili Powder

Made from dried Pasilla chilies, this powder has a smoky, earthy flavor with mild to medium heat. It is common in Mexican cuisine.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 70 calories
• Contains capsaicin and antioxidants

Use in sauces, chili, or enchiladas for smoky depth.

• Pairs with cumin, garlic, and lime

Good for adding flavor while keeping dishes low in calories.

8. Pasilla Pepper

A dried chili pepper with a dark, wrinkled appearance. It provides a smoky, mildly spicy flavor, often used in sauces and salsas.

• Calories per 20g: around 75 calories

Rehydrate and blend into sauces, or use whole in stews.

• Pairs with tomato, onion, or cilantro

Suitable for enhancing spicy and smoky flavors in diet-friendly recipes.

9. Pepper

Black Pepper (Ground, Coarse Ground)

A staple spice with a pungent, sharp flavor. It is used daily for seasoning and flavor enhancement.

Pink Peppercorns (Whole, Ground)

Offers a milder, slightly fruity flavor with a pink hue. It adds color and a gentle spice.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 60 calories
• Contains piperine, which may boost metabolism

Best in salads, marinades, or as a table condiment.

Pairs well with lemon, balsamic vinegar, or herbs.

10. Peppercorns

Tuxedo Blend

A mix of black, white, and green peppercorns, offering a complex flavor profile. Adds depth to dishes and condiments.

• Calories per 20g: about 60 calories

Use in seasoning blends, sauces, or crusts for meat.

Suitable for enhancing various low-calorie recipes.

11. Peppermint (Crushed)

A refreshing herb with a cool, minty flavor. Often used in teas, desserts, or as a garnish.

• Calories per 20g: around 5 calories
• Contains menthol, which aids digestion and relieves headaches

Use in beverages, baked goods, or salads for a fresh taste.

Pairs with lemon, chocolate, or honey. Suitable for diet-friendly and digestive health.

12. Pequin Chiles

Small, fiery chiles with a smoky and citrusy flavor. They add heat and depth to salsas and marinades.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 50 calories
• Contains capsaicin for pain relief and metabolism boost

Use fresh or dried in spicy dishes and sauces.

• Pairs with garlic, lime, and cilantro

Great for spicing up low-calorie meals and snacks.

13. Peri Peri

A hot and tangy chili spice blend with African origins, known for its fiery flavor and citrus notes. It adds heat and flavor.

• Calories per 20g: about 60 calories

Use as a marinade, in sauces, or sprinkled on grilled foods.

• Pairs with lemon, garlic, and herbs

Suitable for spicy, low-calorie dishes and marinades.

14. Pickling Spice

A mixture of spices like mustard seeds, dill, peppercorns, and bay leaves, used for pickling vegetables. It adds aromatic flavor.

• Calories per 20g: around 35 calories

Use when pickling cucumbers, carrots, or onions.

• Pair with vinegar, garlic, and sugar

Perfect for adding flavor to low-calorie fermented foods.

15. Pizza Seasoning

A blend typically including oregano, basil, garlic, and chili flakes. It enhances pizza and pasta dishes with savory aromatics.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 80 calories

Sprinkle over baked pizzas, breads, or vegetables.

• Pairs with tomato, cheese, and olive oil

Great for adding flavor without many calories.

16. Pomegranate Molasses

A thick, tangy syrup made from reduced pomegranate juice. It adds a sweet and sour flavor to salads and marinades.

• Calories per 20g: about 30 calories
• Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C

Use in dressings, glazes, or dips.

Pairs with lemon, mint, or cumin. Suitable for low-calorie, nutrient-rich dishes.

17. Poppy Seeds

Blue

Mild, nutty-flavored seeds often used in baking and bread topping. Adds crunch and flavor.

White

Similar to blue poppy seeds but lighter in color, used in pastries and fillings.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 100 calories
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants

Sprinkle on muffins, bagels, or cakes.

• Pairs with citrus, vanilla, or honey

Suitable for adding healthy fats and flavor to baked goods.

18. Porcini Mushroom Powder

Ground dried porcini mushrooms lend an umami-rich, earthy flavor to soups, sauces, and risottos. A gourmet addition.

• Calories per 20g: about 50 calories
• High in antioxidants and flavor compounds

Use in seasoning blends or sprinkled on dishes before serving.

• Enhances mushroom-based and savory recipes

Perfect for low-calorie, high-flavor cooking.

19. Portabella Mushroom Powder

Powdered portabella adds a rich, meaty flavor to vegetarian dishes, sauces, or seasoning blends. A natural umami enhancer.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 50 calories
• Contains antioxidants and umami compounds

Great in soups, stews, or veggie burgers.

• Pairs with thyme, garlic, and paprika

Ideal for nutritious, low-calorie recipes with a meaty texture.

20. Poultry Seasoning

A mix of herbs like sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. It seasons poultry, stuffing, and savory dishes with warm, aromatic flavors.

• Calories per 20g: about 70 calories
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

Use in roasting, baking, or grilling.

• Pairs well with lemon, garlic, and rosemary

Suitable for low-fat, healthy cooking with enhanced flavor.

21. Pumpkin Pie Spice

A sweet blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It embodies fall flavors, perfect for baked goods and desserts.

• Calories per 20g: approximately 80 calories

Add to pumpkin pies, muffins, or lattes for rich aroma and flavor.

• Pairs with vanilla, caramel, or apples

Ideal for seasonal, low-calorie treats.

22. Pumpkin Spice

Similar to pumpkin pie spice, this blend adds warm, spicy notes to beverages, baked items, and cereals. Popular in fall recipes.

• Calories per 20g: around 80 calories

Use in coffee, pancakes, or oatmeal for a cozy flavor.

• Pairs with whipped cream, chocolate, or maple syrup

Suitable for comforting, low-calorie snacks.

23. Puya Chile Peppers

Bright red, hot chili peppers with smoky flavor. They add heat and a little sweetness to dishes.

• Calories per 20g: about 50 calories
• Contains capsaicin for pain relief and metabolism boost

Use dried or fresh in salsas, stews, or spice blends.

• Pairs with garlic, tomato, and lime

Great for spicy, healthy meals and snacks.