Every household has a cupboard filled with jars of tricks. From spices to jams, they all have the power to transform your dishes when used right. These are the items that should have stored in your pantry for when your dish needs a little extra flair.
Miso Paste
It doesn’t get more Japanese than miso paste. Made from fermented soybeans, it adds a rich umami flavor to soups, marinades, dressings, and glazes.
Pickled Vegetables
Fermented food is where it’s at! Koreans eat kimchi with basically everything, and with good reason—it’s delicious. The pickled vegetables add a salty and sour tang to whatever you’re eating, but don’t stop there. There are also pickled peppers (just like Peter Piper picked), cauliflower, and even mango.
Pomegranate Molasses
When pomegranate juice is reduced, it makes a deliciously thick and sticky syrup that adds a sweet and sour flavor. Use it in dressings, marinades, and Middle Eastern dishes.
Dukkah
This unique spice blend has its roots in Egypt. With toasted nuts, seeds, and spices, dukkah brings flavor and crunch when mixed into dishes. It is also fabulous made into a simple sauce with olive oil which you can then dip bread into.
