Condiments are an important part of any kitchen. They add a depth of flavor to any dish, and can also provide much-needed texture or color to the plate as well.
Your typical condiments include ketchup, mustard, mayo, and hot sauce, among many others. There are many unusual condiments out there now that can be used in a variety of ways.
Pepper Jelly
This spin on a classic preserve is a mix of sweet and heat.Pepper jelly comes in flavors like cranberry habanero, southwestern chipotle, or jalapeno.
Its uses are endless: spread it on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, glaze meatballs or chicken breasts with it, or mix it up with softened cream cheese for chip dipping.
Gochujang
This Korean cooking staple is a fermented pepper paste made from red chile pepper flakes, sticky rice, fermented soybeans, and salt.
It’s got a spicy sweet taste, and a little bit of it goes a long way with any dish.
Adding just a teaspoon to soups, marinades, sauces, and salad dressings makes an impact on the dish.
It can enhance starchy dishes and be complementary to meat-heavy recipes.
Salt and Pepper Varieties
Salt and pepper are often the building blocks to a good dish, as well as the spice that puts a finishing touch on a plate.
There are many varieties available that have a complex flavor. Applewood salt is smoky and sweet, while mesquite salt adds Southwestern flavors to dishes like chicken and pork.
White peppercorn is a less hot and pungent version of the black pepper we know. Green peppercorns are unripe black peppercorns, which have an earthy taste that’s considered essential in French cooking.
Tahini
Tahini is a Middle Eastern condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame and oil, and is often thought of as being a main ingredient in hummus.
It’s similar to nut and seed butters in texture, but is different in that its taste is earthier and a little bitter.
It can be added to salad dressings or Asian dishes with noodles. You can also top vegetables with it before roasting, or add it to dessert recipes like brownies and cookies.
Truffle Oil
Truffles are edible fungi that are considered a gourmet delicacy in the world of cooking. They are hard to source and lose potency quickly once picked.
Truffle oil is olive oil infused with these tasty morsels, a shelf stable food that is cheaper than the sought-after truffle.
The taste of truffle is musky, earthy, and rich in umami. You can put it over popcorn, pizza, fries, or pasta. You can also add truffle oil to softened butter to mix it up and use it just as you would regular butter.
Miso Paste
If you’re a fan of Asian foods, you have most likely run across miso in something like miso soup. This fermented soybean paste is earthy and salty.
You can spread it on a sandwich, mix it with salad dressings, add it to mashed potatoes, or glaze vegetables and fish with it.
