While our bodies may be grounded and homebound COVID – 19 pandemically speaking, our tastebuds are roaming wild or at least they could be. Even the most common dishes can be easily and tastefully transformed into world class cuisines with a touch of this and a pinch of that. Let your fingers do the walking through your spice rack and pantry to discover what will awaken your palate. Whatever you don’t have on hand can be readily procured through your grocers and online purveyors.
What does rice, beans, canned soup, eggs, pasta, veggies, meat, fish and poultry have in common? Besides all of them being part of our COVID – 19 pandemic pantry, all of these household staples can be enhanced to mimic some of your favorite restaurant dishes by adding spices and condiments that will transport you to far of lands. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your aprons and prepare to take off for a global food fest.
Besides basil and garlic, Italians have long used a pinch of red pepper, a squirt of anchovy paste, a spritz of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and a drop of balsamic reduction to enhance almost every dish they serve. Mind you, if added sparingly, you won’t taste any of these separatecomponents but the overall flavor profile is enriched so you get a fuller, deeper taste on the palate called umami.
This Japanese term is used to describe a subtle savory, rich delicious mouthfeel that is now considered among food scientists and chefs to be one of the five basic tastes along with sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Try experimenting with your favorite pasta dish by adding all or some of these flavor enhancers, depending on your preferences and what’s on hand. Let your taste buds be your guide. Now that you’ve got the idea, let’s continue our journey.
In France, the secret ingredients in many regions of the countryare wine and butter. French cuisine prides itself on subtle flavors. The wine must always simmer long enough so that the alcohol cooks out and what you have left is a bright acidic backbone that makes sauces, soups and stews sing. A dollop of butter, often added at the end, just before serving, adds the decadent richness we often associate with fine French fare.
If you crave Asian inspired dishes, get out the fish sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, lime, lemongrass , Korean gochujang chili sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, curry paste and peanut butter.Your unique blends of these ingredients will send your taste buds tripping through Asia’s food scenes as you “wok your way” with veggies, rice, and noodle dishes.
Explore exotic locales where the open – air markets are redolent with the colors and scents of mouth – watering spices meant to make every ordinary ingredient irresistible. Besides an endless array of individual spices, unique spice blends including dukkah, zaatar, garam masala and rasel hanout will transport you on a magic carpet flavor ride. To up the ante, add harissa hot sauce to taste.
Bring out the bold flavors of Mexico and Latin America with your favorite salsas, pico de gallo, hot sauces,tabasco and fresh cilantro to spice up your tacos, ceviche and tiraditos.
Raise your barbequing and grilling skills to the next level with the myriad marinades and salad dressings that line the grocery shelves. Elevate your lettuce lineup with mushrooms, olives, cheese, fruits and nuts to enhance the flavor and up the nutritional value.
Skewer a medley of seasonal fruits and dip in melted semi-sweet chocolate spiked with cinnamon, cardamom and chile powder to cap off your taste buds’ gastronomic tour of the world. Bon Appetit.
What additional pantry items/tips do you use to elevate your dishes? Connect with us on social media.
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