Long-Lasting Flavour Boosters
🌟 Long-Lasting, Flavour-Packed Pantry Essentials
Tangy, Briny & Pickled Wonders
- Capers – Salty, briny bursts for fish, pasta, or salads.
- Pickled Beets – Earthy and tangy; great in salads and sandwiches.
- Pickled Radishes – Zesty crunch for tacos and salads.
- Pickled Asparagus – Slightly sour, ideal for charcuterie boards.
- Pickled Cauliflower – Mild and versatile; use in salads.
- Kimchi – Fermented and spicy; perfect for rice dishes and eggs.
- Sauerkraut – Probiotic boost for sandwiches and bowls.
- Pickled Jalapeños or Pepperoncini – Adds heat and acidity to sandwiches or eggs.
- Pickled Red Onions – Adds brightness and colour to any dish.
- Cornichons or Gherkins – Tangy, perfect for boards, salads, or sandwiches.
- Olives (Castelvetrano, Kalamata, Cerignola) – Adds depth and briny flavour.
Umami-Rich Delights
- Fish Sauce – Intense umami for stir-fries and marinades.
- Anchovies – Melts into pasta sauces or dressings for a deep savoury note.
- Tinned Mackerel or Sardines – Savoury addition for salads or pasta.
- Miso Paste – Earthy, versatile base for marinades and sauces.
- Dried Porcini Mushrooms – Rehydrate for stock or use the liquid for rich flavour.
- Fermented Black Garlic – Sweet, balsamic taste; perfect in pasta or spreads.
- Shrimp Paste – Adds depth to curries and sauces.
- Nutritional Yeast – Cheese-like, savoury sprinkle for pasta or vegetables.
Oil-Packed And Marinated Vegetables
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil – Sweet and acidic; perfect in pasta or wraps.
- Marinated Mushrooms – Savoury addition for antipasto or salads.
- Roasted Red Peppers – Versatile in pasta, sandwiches, or purées.
- Jarred Artichoke Hearts – Tangy and soft; great in dips or pizzas.
- Charred Eggplant in Olive Oil – Smoky and rich for dips or sandwiches.
- Jarred Hearts of Palm – Creamy addition to salads or dips.
- Eggplant in Oil – Rich flavour, perfect in antipasto or on sandwiches.
Herbs, Spices & Aromatic Oils
- Rose Harissa Paste – Fragrant, adds spice to sauces and dips.
- Za’atar – Nutty and herbaceous for hummus, flatbreads, or veggies.
- Smoked Paprika Oil – Subtle smokiness over grilled meats or soups.
- Garlic-Chili Crisp – Adds crunch and heat to noodles or eggs.
- Szechuan Pepper Oil – Numbing heat for stir-fries or dumplings.
- Black Vinegar – Aged and tangy; adds depth to sauces and marinades.
Nutty & Creamy Bases
- Tahini – Nutty depth for sauces and spreads.
- Cashew Cream – Dairy-free creamy base for pasta or soups.
- Marcona Almonds – Buttery, mild flavour; great as a snack or blended into sauces.
- Pesto (Basil, Sundried Tomato, Walnut) – Versatile for pasta or dressings.
- Pumpkin Seed Butter – Earthy and nutty; great in sauces or dressings.
Sweet & Fruity Enhancers
- Jarred Cherries or Figs in Syrup – Perfect with meats or salads.
- Pomegranate Molasses – Sweet-tart drizzle for veggies or meats.
- Date Paste – Adds natural sweetness to dressings or marinades.
- Pear Preserves – Slightly floral sweetness for sauces or cheese boards.
- Fig or Apricot Jam – Adds sweet-tart balance on cheese boards or in sauces.
Condiments & Sauces with a Punch
- Chimichurri – Herby and garlicky; top meats or veggies.
- Ajvar (Roasted Red Pepper Spread) – Smoky and sweet for wraps or dips.
- Salsa Macha – Mexican chili oil with nuts and seeds, great on anything.
- Italian Salsa Verde – Herby sauce with capers, perfect for meats or veggies.
- Japanese Ponzu Sauce – Citrus soy sauce, fantastic for seafood or salads.
- Mustard (Dijon, Whole Grain, Honey) – Essential for dressings and marinades.
To Confit or Marinate at Home
- Garlic Confit – Use the oil and garlic for dressings or pasta.
- Cherry Tomato Confit – Jammy, savoury condiment.
- Pepper Confit – Slow-roasted bell peppers for sandwiches or salads.
- Fennel Confit – Aromatic topping for seafood or pasta.
- Balsamic Mushroom Confit – Umami-packed condiment for pastas or risottos.
- Herb Oil (Basil, Rosemary) – Drizzle on dishes for a fresh herbal boost.