Something that might help, and please excuse me if you're already doing
this, is add a little bit of the spices and taste if you go along. Then
add some more if it seems too bland. I assume that you're talking about
hot peppers and stuff like cumin in bean dishes here. You could also add
fresh bullion / cubes / powder or whatever to the cooking liquid (the
powder is handy if you're doing a little "sauteing" in water. This gives
it a good flavor that isn't spicy, and you could use meat flavors -
especially since you're new to "breaking the habit".
Good luck,
Elizabeth
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