what spice would you use to spruce up a stew (grilled, freezer)

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

Cinnamon for beef stew and pot roast. Of course, you brown the meat first. Cinnamon gives it some extra flavor.

Yeah? I've never done that.

[mainebrokerman]

cinnamon is a strong, overpowering spice,,,you have to like it...

I like fennel seeds... they are sweet n tangy

[TerraDown]

I love Jamaican Jerk sauce poured into a beef stew. It fires it right up. The Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice really give the stew a unique flavor, I get tired of the same old everyday beef stew taste.

[JustJulia]

Marjoram.

[TerraDown]

JustJulia has a great point. Wild oregano (marjoram) adds a depth that is fantastic to any beef dish. I grow my own so I can have it fresh. Adds a 'wow' factor.

[convextech]

Originally Posted by nickerman

Lets say that you have a stew or chilli or something like that that tastes a little bland. What one spice would you use to spruce up the taste a little?

Fresh cilantro fixes everything. I even use it in my Low Country Boil and it's always a hit.

[TwinbrookNine]

Montreal steak seasoning can pep up anything. Onion powder can be used in anything that is cooked for an hour or more and will add flavor to almost any meat dish.

[Warszawa]

I always make stews with turmeric, it gives it a spicier taste and also gives it an attractive dark yellow-orange color. Also recommend two packets of sazon, along with cardamom, coriander, thyme, and cilantro

I prefer my stew to be more like sancocho, so I always use LOW-FAT meat, since high fat meat makes it too thick

[Vectoris]

A friend of mine once suggested tossing half a cup of strong black coffee into chili. I haven't had the courage to do that yet.

[Sgoldie]

I just made a beef stew last night and a heaping teaspoon of course mustard made the difference in addition to the garlic, onions, steak sauce, salt, and pepper.