Why stress over complicated techniques or fancy equipment when a cast-iron pan and a little turmeric and dried lime will get you a meal you can happily share with friends? Michael Solomonov has been the pied piper of the lush flavors of his native Israel, spreading the word though his celebrated restaurants Zahav and Federal Donuts. We asked the Philadelphia chef and James Beard Award winner for his list of seasoning essentials. Here are his top 10 picks.

Photography by Heather Ramsdell