Looking for a way to add flavor to your food without adding lots of calories? Put away the butter, oil, and cheese and start experimenting with herbs and spices instead. If you're not sure where to start, here are some common herbs and spices and the foods they work best with. Remember, dried herbs and spices are stronger than fresh ones, so a little bit can go a long way!

Basil: This sweet herb is best used in tomato, pasta, baked chicken, lamb, and fish dishes.

Cayenne pepper: Spice up salsas, avocado and vegetable dips, and dressings, or use it on eggs, fish, or poultry.

Cilantro: This herb is popular in Mexican cuisine. Add it to salsas and bean dips, chili, and fish dishes.

Cinnamon: Add it to a rice pilaf for a savory side dish, or to chocolate desserts, fruit tarts, or yogurt for something sweet.

Cumin: Add it to lemon- or lime-based marinades for chicken, lamb, turkey, or pork.

Garlic: Use it in pasta, stews, and soups, mix it with oil and vinegar for dressings, and add it to sauces.

Oregano: Popular in Italian dishes, this herb is best with tomatoes, eggs, beef, chicken, pork, and lamb.

Paprika: Mostly used as a garnish on eggs and casserole dishes, this colorful spice can also be mixed with olive oil to make a paste for roasted chicken or turkey.

Turmeric: Add it to curries, chutneys, relishes, chicken, and rice dishes.