Ingredient Focus

Exploring the Richness and Versatility of Elephant Garlic
In the realm of culinary delights, one often encounters a variety of ingredients that captivate the senses and elevate the dining experience. Among these, Elephant Garlic stands out as a majestic herbaceous treasure, revered for its distinct flavour, immense size, and multifaceted culinary applications. In this blog post, we delve deep into the essence of Elephant Garlic, uncovering its origins, characteristics, nutritional benefits, and creative culinary uses. Join us on a journey to discover the low down on this remarkable member of the Allium family.Origins and Characteristics: Elephant Garlic, scientifically... Read more...
Salt: The Essence of Civilisation and the Journey of a Humble Mineral
Salt, a seemingly simple and ubiquitous mineral, has played a remarkable role in shaping human civilisation throughout history. From preserving food to enhancing flavours, salt has been an essential ingredient in culinary traditions worldwide. Beyond its culinary uses, salt has influenced economies, sparked conflicts, and even shaped cultural practices. Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the fascinating history of salt and uncover its extraordinary impact on human society.1. The Ancient Origins: Salt as a Precious CommodityTravel back in time to ancient civilisations where salt was... Read more...
Black Garlic Ketchup
Black garlic ketchup is a flavorful and unique condiment that can be used in a variety of ways, including: Burgers: Use as a topping for burgers for a sweet and savory twist. Fries: Serve as a dipping sauce for french fries for a rich and delicious flavor. Meat dishes: Use as a glaze for meat dishes such as pork chops or chicken, or as a marinade. Sauce: Use as a base for sauces, such as barbecue sauce or steak sauce. Sandwiches: Spread on sandwiches for a unique twist on classic... Read more...
A taste of Tunisia: Exploring the Flavours of Harissa
Harissa is a spicy chilli paste that is a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is typically made with a combination of chilli peppers, garlic, olive oil, and various spices such as cumin, coriander, and caraway. The specific ingredients and proportions can vary depending on the recipe and the region it originates from. Traditionally, harissa is made by pounding the ingredients together in a mortar and pestle, but it can also be made in a food processor or blender. The paste can be used in a variety... Read more...
Smokin' Chipotle: Exploring the Flavors of Mexico
Smokin' Chipotle: Exploring the Flavors of Mexico
Chipotle peppers are a staple in Mexican cuisine, adding a unique smoky and slightly spicy flavour to dishes. These chilli peppers are made by smoking and drying fully mature red... Read more...
What Is Smoked Cheese?
Smoked cheese is a type of cheese that has been flavored with smoke from burning wood or other materials. The smoking process can add a unique and rich flavor to the cheese, making it a popular choice for many cheese lovers. There are many different types of smoked cheeses available, each with its own distinct flavor and texture. Some popular types of smoked cheese include Gouda, Cheddar, and Mozzarella. Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that is typically smoked over hickory or applewood, giving it a nutty, sweet flavor. Cheddar, on... Read more...
Unlocking the Flavours of Japan: A Guide to Miso and Its Culinary Uses
Miso is a traditional Japanese condiment made from soybeans, salt, and Koji (a type of mold). It is a key ingredient in many Japanese dishes, including soups, sauces, marinades, and spreads. Miso is typically made by fermenting soybeans with Koji, salt, and sometimes other grains such as rice or barley. The fermentation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the type of miso being made. The longer the fermentation, the stronger the flavour and the darker the colour of the miso. One of the... Read more...
Gochujang - A versatile condiment
Gochujang is a traditional Korean condiment made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It is commonly used as a base for sauces and marinades, as well as a condiment for soups, stews, and grilled meats. One of the most popular ways to use gochujang is in bibimbap, a Korean dish of mixed rice and vegetables topped with a fried egg and gochujang sauce. It can also be used as a dip for fried chicken, as a spread for sandwiches, or as a marinade for beef, pork,... Read more...
Korean Cuisine 101: Discovering the Nutritional Power of Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional fermented food from Korea that has become popular all over the world. It's typically made from a combination of Napa cabbage, radishes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices and seasonings. The ingredients are mixed together and fermented for several days or weeks, resulting in a tangy, spicy, and flavourful dish that is packed with nutrients and health benefits. One of the main benefits of kimchi is that it's a rich source of probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in our gut and help... Read more...
Shallots: Versatile Flavorful Ingredient
Shallots are a type of onion that are closely related to garlic. They have a milder, sweeter flavor than onions and are often used in French and Asian cuisine. Shallots are small, elongated bulbs that are usually about 2-3 inches long and have a reddish-brown or grayish-brown skin. They can be used in a variety of ways, including being diced or minced for use in salads, soups, and stews, as well as being caramelized or pickled. They are also a popular ingredient in many sauces and vinaigrettes. One of the... Read more...
Jerk it Up: The History and Origins of Jerk Sauces
Jerk sauce is a traditional Caribbean seasoning and marinade that originated in Jamaica. The history of jerk sauce can be traced back to the Arawak and Taíno indigenous people of Jamaica, who used a blend of native spices and herbs to season and preserve their food. The word "jerk" is thought to come from the Spanish word "charqui," which refers to dried meat. Jerk seasoning typically includes a blend of spices such as allspice (also known as "pimento"), scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and nutmeg, as well as other ingredients like... Read more...
Chilli Powder: Is it too Hot or not enough heat
Chilli Powder: Is it too Hot or not enough heat
Making a curry or chilli can be a minefield when it comes to adding chilli powder, more so for a family as there's always one who can't bear spicy food... Read more...