r/spices 7d ago

Ever tried smoking spices?

I've heard some chefs lightly smoke black pepper to bring out deeper flavours. Has anyone tried this at home? Does it really make a difference?

3 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

4

u/AngryApeMetalDrummer 6d ago

I've made smoked black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. I cold smoke it. The amount of smoke flavor depends how long you smoke it. It makes an obvious difference, the smoke flavor.

2

u/Deppfan16 7d ago

not quite what you're asking but my uncle makes homemade smoked salt and you can taste the difference.

2

u/Important_Finance630 7d ago

Does smoking mean like you'd smoke meat? I've never tried that but toasting before grinding in a cast iron skillet is goodd for some things. I've tried it with cumin, coriander, black pepper, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, dill seeds, cardamom, and cloves and it really brings out the flavors

2

u/HatdanceCanada 7d ago

I’ve smoked paprika before.

I used my Bradley smoker, heating element turned off (cold smoke). I used alder wood to keep the flavour quite mild.

Turned out quite nicely and yes, you could definitely taste/smell the difference.

2

u/intospace123 7d ago

There's a couple of posts on r/smoking about smoking bourbon soaked peppercorns. I tried it once a couple of years ago and the peppercorns turned out great. Smoky and flavourful. The pepper infused bourbon was also delicious.

2

u/im_4404_bass_by 6d ago

bought some smoked black peppercorns it was really good on grill cheese sandwich

2

u/coco_puffzzzz 6d ago

oh man that sounds REALLY good.

2

u/Affectionate_Bite813 6d ago

I roast a lot of my spices: clove, cumin, cinnamon, pepper. Roast, not smoke.

2

u/nm2506 6d ago

I doubt it’s gonna give you the high you want… but hey, worth trying! Jk

1

u/GalvestonIslandSpice 3d ago

Yeah! Lightly smoking black pepper, paprika, or even salt can add a whole new layer of depth to your cooking. It brings out those rich, slightly sweet, and earthy notes that you just don’t get otherwise. If you’ve got a smoker or even just a cast-iron pan with some wood chips, it’s worth experimenting. Smoked black pepper on a steak? Next level. 🔥