Want to know the secret to how my recipes can be so simple and still taste great? My secret is using what I call ‘flavour bombs’.
They’re ingredients that add maximum flavour and often interesting texture and colour too.
My Top 10 Favourite Flavour Bombs
1. Grated Parmesan
You know it from Italian classic of course but Parmesan can work surprisingly well in unexpected places. It goes really well with anything lemony or on salads and I’ve recently been loving it as an unexpected twist on Asian dishes using soy sauce like this Egg Fried Cabbage.
2. Roast Pine nuts OR Pistachios
I love all roast nuts and if I had to narrow it down to one I can’t do it. So I’ve narrowed it down to my two faves. Pine nuts are amazing to add crunch and nutty goodness to pretty much anything. I especially love them on fish or vegetables. Roast pine nuts stirred into mayonnaise make the most incredible sauce.
Shelled Pistachios aren’t cheap but I just adore their exotic flavour. My favourite way to use them is to roast and then pulse in a food processor to make a pistachio dust which I then scatter over anything that needs a flavour (and colour boost).
3. Avo Smash Seasoning
A recent edition to my repertoire this commercial seasoning designed to bring life to anything with avocado also works amazingly well with protein like chicken or my fave poached eggs. I also like tossing diced tofu in this seasoning to banish the blandness.
4. Furikake
This Japanese sprinkle is sold as a rice seasoning but I use it on anything when I’m in the mood for a Japanese twist. It’s a blend of toasted sesame seeds and seaweed which add umami (savouriness). Another go-to for my poached eggs it’s also fab with veg or salads especially anything with cucumber.
5. Chilli Salt
When something tastes a little dull and I want more excitement than just salt I reach for the chilli salt. I used to make my own but have been loving a commercial one I picked up at the supermarket. Especially good on roast zucchini.
6. Goats Cheese
The classic combo of goats cheese and roast beets is hard to beat. But I’ve been playing around with crumbling goats cheese over a green salad just before serving and it really takes the humble green bowl of leaves into a new stratosphere. Combined with fresh basil leaves it’s also my favourite topping for this omelette.
7. Fresh Dill
The one herb that I struggle to grow in my garden is of course the first herb that comes to mind when I was writing this list. While basil and parsley are great I do love the subtle fresh piney flavour that dill brings. It’s classic partner is salmon (especially smoked salmon) but I have fun adding it in unexpected places like a green salad or to contrast the rich meatiness of meatballs.
8. Dukkah
While you can buy this Egyptian bland of roast nuts, sesame seeds and spices I usually make my own. My latest version was a pistachio number which is the best thing to bring a boiled egg to life and turn it into the most delicious snack. If you want a great recipe to get you started try my Magic Smoky Crunchy Sprinkle or this classic dukkah recipe from the Stonesoup archives back in 2006.
9. Everything Bagel Seasoning
A jar of this followed me home from my last trip to the US. But thankfully I’ve found a local source in my supermarket. It’s amazing what you can find in a super market these days when you take a look. If you’re not familiar this blend of dried garlic, onion and black and white sesame seeds works on literally everything. Basically any time you’re thinking of adding salt this powerhouse ingredient will add so much more.
10. Dried Cranberries
Of all the dried fruit I love cranberries the best for adding unexpected sweetness and a little acidity to savoury dishes. They are a must in this Easy Green Smoothie Bowl. I also love them on roast veggies (especially cauliflower) or steamed broccoli.
So next time something is a little bland…
You know what to do! Reach for this list and add a flavour bomb to save the day.
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x