Most people enjoy cooking. But you might be wondering how you can bring some of your ordinary dishes alive. Here are some food secrets to make your recipes explode with flavor.
Enhance the Flavors with Glutamate
Not to be confused with MSG, glutamate is an amino acid found in nature. Foods high in the umami flavor profile contain glutamate. Some of the richest umami foods are tomatoes, mushrooms, and seaweed. And the distinct umami flavor is found in cuisines from pan-Asia, such as Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Umami sauce also contains a high amount of glutamate if you want to enrich a dish without adding ingredients that don’t belong. Glutamate is a bit like salt in that it enhances flavors. But it’s also a good salt substitute for low sodium diets.
Don’t Forget to Season
Seasoning is very important in cooking. The whole point of seasoning is to raise the flavors of a recipe. Salt and pepper is the seasoning that most people are familiar with. However, they aren’t the only ingredients you can use for seasoning. You can use spices such as paprika, dried chilies, and garlic for Cajun-like seasonings. Or you can even use natural ingredients high in salt as a substitute. For instance, anchovies make a fantastic seasoning for slow-cooked meat joints such as roasted lamb. However, be careful with salt and pepper if you use a substitute.
Make Your Recipes Explode with Alliums
If you don’t use alliums as part of your cooking, you are missing out on tons of flavoring. All alliums are plants from a particular family that includes onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives. Essentially, anything “oniony,” although the word itself is Latin for “cultivated garlic.” Any one of these ingredients can make a frugal dish burst with flavor. But garlic is a winner. The late great chef Anthony Bourdain had this to say; “…Garlic is divine…misuse of garlic is a crime“. A true statement. Always use fresh garlic and onions, and be careful how much you use.
Everything’s Better with Cheese
There are so many cheeses around the world. And they’re all packed full of flavor. Some, like Parmesan, are even full of the beautiful umami mentioned earlier. But if cheese is great for one thing, it’s making your food rich and creamy. Consider how even the blandest of bolognese come alive with a dusting of fresh Grana Padano. Or how even the humble cheddar enlivens the boldest of breads. Of course, if you’re lactose intolerant, you might be out of luck. However, sometimes, it’s worth the risk. You can get lactose-free cheese, but it’s not really the same.
Herbs and Spices, Of Course
Finally, your food needs herbs and spices. For thousands of years, people all over the world have been adding natural ingredients to their dishes to make them come alive. Basil, sage, and rosemary. Delectable delights for a sumptuous feast. How they amaze when paired with delicious dishes and hearty wines. And many herbs go surprisingly well with fresh fruits and ice cream. Then there are spices. These are more than chilies and aren’t hot as people often think. You should use spices sparingly to add background flavor without overpowering.
Summary
There are a few things to try if you want to make your recipe explode with flavor. Glutamate from umami is one way to go. And don’t forget your alliums used with a range of herbs and spices.
