It only takes a few simple ingredients to transform a dull dish into something spectacular. These may seem like common ingredients, but when paired with the right dishes can really alter the flavor of any recipe.
Ginger– Although ginger has become synonymous with Asian Cuisine, it’s spicy and slightly citrus aftertaste is a great addition to soups and salads. Use it to bring out the flavor of tomatoes and other more basic vegetables.
Saffron– Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus Sativus and can be difficult to find in mainstream grocery stores. It’s highly fragrant and produces a vibrant yellow color to any dish that it’s used in. Saffron is a great addition to seafood dishes and goes particularly well with shellfish.
Worcestershire Sauce– On it’s own, this uniquely smelling sauce doesn’t taste all that appetizing. However, adding a minimal amount to marinades and just about any meat you are cooking will supersize the flavor immediately. Worstechire sauce is made to enhance the taste of meat but also works wonderfully in a vast array of sauces.
Lemon Zest– Believe it or not, this simple ingredient is often overlooked. Using a micro plane, adding just a teaspoon of lemon zest to most dishes will brighten up the flavor and enhance the freshness of any dish. Add some to desserts to counteract the sweetness with a hidden bite that will leave your guests trying to guess the secret ingredient.
Onion & Garlic Powder – If you want that “junk food” fix without the added calories add a few shakes of these spices into anything your cooking. Particularly good with grilled chicken or in tomato sauce, these powders eliminate the need for messy chopping and tears. Garlic Powder helps create a more well rounded flavor to any recipe, especially Italian food.
Salt and Pepper– This may seem like an obvious addition, but you’d be surprised on how many people fail to properly season there dishes. Salt and pepper are the cornerstone to any good meal and it’s important to season each layer of your dish so your meal is filled with multi dimensional flavors. If you’re afraid of over seasoning, tread carefully and season after everything is cooked.
Dressing up dishes doesn’t have to be difficult, but it also takes a bit of experimentation. Try using other unique spices like adobo and nutmeg for a fuller bodied version of your classic favorites. With a little creativity, you can make any recipe a little more extraordinary.
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