The other day I came home from work, completely at a loss for what to make for dinner. I scrounged through my cupboards and fridge and came up with angel hair, olive oil, garlic, white wine, red pepper flakes, lemons, and pecorino, the makings of a decent, but boring, pasta dish. Luckily I also found a tin of anchovies, which I diced up and tossed in as I was sauteeing the garlic.
The anchovies' fishy essence lifted the meal from ho-hum to deeply flavorful and satisfying. This got me thinking about pantry staples: If, like me, you sometimes find yourself wanting something delicious, but lacking the time (or, let's face it, brainpower) to come up with anything beyond the basic, there are certain items that you should keep on hand. Add one of these ingredients to a pedestrian recipe and the flavor will be instantly boosted. This might mean that a dish is given an international makeover. (For instance, if you usually cook with white wine, try using mirin instead for an instant Japanese touch.) Or it might mean bumping up sour, spicy, or smoky flavors, such as folding bottled horseradish into a sauce or salad dressing. However it's accomplished, these ten ingredients will help keep your taste buds engaged with a minimum of effort:
1. Sriracha chile-garlic sauce: Add a squirt to stir-fries and sauces for nuanced heat.
2. Bottled horseradish: Add to salad dressings and creamy sauces (great with beef, shrimp and potatoes).
3. Toasted sesame oil: Brings a unique nuttiness to marinades and salad dressings. Also great drizzled over noodles.
4. Fish sauce (nam pla/nuoc mam): Has uses far beyond its Southeast Asian roots: Try a small amount in marinades, salad dressings, or anywhere you'd use soy sauce or anchovies.
5. Smoked paprika: Sprinkle over dips for color and smoky flavor, add to stews and salad dressings, use in rubs for meat, poultry, and fish.
6. Wasabi paste: Adds interesting heat to any spread or sauce. Particularly good mixed with mayo in tuna salad and on sandwiches.
7.Mirin: Great for marinating chicken and seafood. Adds a mellow sweetness to salad dressings.
8. Preserved lemons: Their unmistakable flavor will completely transform a chicken, lamb, or veal dish. Also delicious with stewed vegetables and beans.
9. Anise liquor such as Pernod or Ouzo: For a change, try using this in place of wine in any pan or pasta sauce.
10. Ume plum vinegar: I can't personally vouch for this ingredient as I haven't tried it yet, but my mom and my colleague Megan Steintrager are both wild about this slightly sweet Japanese vinegar. Apparently it's fantastic in marinades and salad dressings. I plan on buying a bottle this weekend!
Anyone else want to share their picks for best flavor-boosting staples to keep on hand?
by Sarah Kagan
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