What would be some spices or mixes thereof commonly used by the various races? I feel like that adds so much character to regional cuisine.
Favoured spices vary wildly from Province to Province, and even between regions! Everyone relies on some sort of spice blend to make their food more interesting, unless you're a particularly staunch and Imperial Divines worshipper. In that case, move along, we know you like bland food...
Light flavours are key in Altmeri cooking, and their spices are simple and let the food speak for itself. Aside from standard sea salt and white pepper, the High Elves also like a blend of sesame seeds, garlic powder, shaved bonito, and dried seaweed flakes. Sprinkled atop sushi rice, this versatile topping is a must-have for Altmeri kitchens.
Black Marsh is rich in plant life, and many of these plants can be dried and ground down to delicious spices! A blend of turmeric, ginger, finely ground chilis, and cloves is a quintessential spice blend used in many Argonian dishes, from meat and poultry to seafood and vegetables.
Despite the lack of plant matter used to make spices, this hasn't stopped the Wood Elves from developing their own meat-based flavourings. Combining everything from dried salty cheese, dried meat of various sorts, salt, and sometimes dried mushrooms, this mix is pounded down and mixed with water or jagga to form a salty and umami paste that is stirred into food.
Breton food can be bland, but the region of Glenumbra specifically specialises in a lovely blend of herbs and spices for cakes and desserts. Cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, cardamom, rose petals, and dark brown sugar are ground together until fine and sprinkled into batter or drizzled atop finished desserts. Especially good with pumpkin pie!
Fire fern is a valued spice in Vvardenfell, and it's finely ground up and added to food much like pepper, but with a minty aftertaste. A common spice blend for Dark Elves consists of fire fern leaves, ground and dried comberry, canis root powder, and salt. Umami, spicy, and slightly bitter, this blend goes well with guar and nix-hound.
Fennel and Battaglir aren't just tasty Cyrodiilic vegetables- they're also great in spice mixes. One household blend consists of fennel seeds, ground dried battaglir, carrot, basil, columbine, thyme, and dried chicken stock. Simple, but tasty enough.
The Khajiit love a punchy spice blend made from lime zest, curry leaves, smoked paprika, Prune Morel mushrooms, white and pink peppercorns, salt, and moon sugar. This blend is often served in its own little bowl to sprinkle on noodle and rice dishes at taverns and homes.
Another popular dessert spice blend is the Nord-style "pastry spice". Made from a mix of crushed snowberry raisins, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, juniper berries, and a bit of nightshade seed. Rich and fragrant, this is bound to make any pastry pop!
Frost mirriam is an Orc's favourite herb, but it's also enjoyed when blended in with other ingredients to make a flavourful spice. Ground dried frost mirriam, allspice, paprika, sugar, chili, and tingly Reach peppercorns are any chieftain's favourite addition to food, especially red meats like ox and mammoth.
Redguard spices are vibrant and exciting, and one of my favourite blends hails from Rihad. Made from pepper, cumin, curry, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, and whatever else one desires. As a result, this mix varies a little from household to household- some add a dash of turmeric, others cardamom!
