When a dish needs something more?!
Thanks in advance to anyone who answers. I'm looking forward to the replies!
Answers: What do you add to a dish when it just seems to "need something" more, but you don't want to add salt? I'm thinking of things like soups, stews, sauces, etc. Just something to make the flavor a little richer and more interesting ... any secrets you'd care to share with me?
Thanks in advance to anyone who answers. I'm looking forward to the replies!
When ever making that dish that needs "something", add just a tiny bit of Nutmeg.... it IS the magic spice. but use it sparingly, just enough (less then 1/8 teaspoon) will add something but it is not enough to notice an extra flavor, but enhances the existing flavors there..... it would be better if I knew exactly what you were making, but this is a trick that covers all bases.
When making a savor dish, I always add some extra garlic as well. but NUTMEG can be used in any thing, sweet or savory.
garlic powder, pepper, lemon pepper, things like that.
I usually reach for the GARLIC powder right away when something is missing!
MSG, lemon juice, brown sugar or garlic.
I wish I knew what you were making, it would be simpler to tell you what to add.
If your making soup, maybe add some fresh herbs or bouillon? If you dont want more salt, try herbs first.
If your making casserole, maybe try adding onion or garlic. Grating the onion or garlic is a quick and easy way to get flavor in fast.
Can you be more specific??
For soups and stews, if they seem a bit bland, I toss in more herbs and spices. Particulary garlic. Tomatoes and tomato juice also is great to add flavor to soups and stews.
For sauces, it depends on what type of sauce it is. For most savory sauces, I'd add some heavy cream, butter, garlic, or other spices or herbs.
I go straight for the hot pepper sauce. Even if you don't like things "hot". If you add a few drops to a pot of soup, you just get a nice hint of pepper.
Also, Worcestershire sauce works well and also adds colour to things like gravy or stew.
Usually a little lemon juice if i want to freshen it up a little.
If I want to give it more life then a dash of Tabasco sauce is great.
Depending on where you are adding a few drops of Lea & Perrin's Worcestershire Sauce also helps give it a little more depth.
Hope these help.
Good luck and enjoy.
meats: bay leaves
fish: garlic, basil
oriental: seasame seeds, roasted almonds, pineapple chunks
soups: red pepper flakes
Added green pepper, onion, celery, tomato or carrot. If there's still something missing: whatever seasoning I'm using in the particular dish. For example: chili, I would add more cumin or chili powder.
Chicken Bullon! I crush up the cubes (the already powdered just doesn't taste the same to me) and put them in a lot of the dishes I make... that and garlic powder sometimes.
When I make mashed potatoes I put a couple of cubes in the water while the potatoes are boiling then just milk, butter and salt when beating them and they come out great! Its a good way to change up plain old mashies. My family always insists that I make the mashies for the holiday dinners... they love them.
Garlic, rosemary, lemon, paprika, pepper, chili powder, and they are all good for you!
WINE!!!!
for beef, red
for fish and chicken, white.
for pork, also white.
This adds a depth of flavour that nothing else can match.
Also- bay leaves, stock, longer cooking helps too...
try thyme or rosemary. very flavorful and aromatic.
onion juice. check out Howards Foods.com
garlic
ginger
lemon juice
chicken stock
soy sauce
cream
wishtishire sauce
curry powder
sweet chilli sauce
thats all i usually use.
Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Sugar, Chicken broth, Beef Broth, Parsley, Oregano, Parmesan Cheese, tomato sauce, hot sauce, olive oil. And of course, salt. If you want a salt substitute, use Mrs. Dash.