What would pesto be without basil? Wouldn't it be bland without a little garlic and some olive oil? Ingredients such as these combine perfectly together, creating a well-balanced, aromatic dish, with heaps of flavor. Every cuisine makes use of a variety of base ingredients such as garlic, onions, celery and carrots - and these base ingredients can be used for everything from sauces to sautés. |
Cooking with aromatics |
Aromatics are a combination of vegetables and herbs, heated in some fat at the start of a dish. We cook in this order because the heated fat helps the ingredients release addictive aromas, which create deep flavors within the dish. This guide takes a look at some of the most common aromatics used for Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Latin, Middle Eastern and Thai foods, whilst also offering other supplement ingredients. It goes without saying that you need not use all the ingredients listed. |
Cajun |
Aromatics used: Onion, celery, green bell pepper Fats: Cook the above in olive oil and/or butter Supplement with: Garlic, parsley, shallots and paprika |
Chinese |
Aromatics used: Garlic, scallions (green onions), ginger Fats: Fry in cooking oil Supplement with: Chilies, shallots, chives, cilantro, Chinese five spice, star anise |
French (Mirepoix - Chopped vegetable cut) |
Aromatics used: Onions, carrots, celery Fats: Cook with butter Supplement with: Parsley, thyme, bay leaves, Herbes de Provence |
|
Indian |
Aromatics used: Onions, garlic, chilies, ginger Fats: Heat the above using ghee Supplement with: Tomatoes, cardamom, cumin, cumin seeds, curry powder (or leaves, paste), cloves, fenugreek, Garam Masala, turmeric |
Italian (Soffritto) |
Aromatics used: Onions, carrots, celery Fats: Fry in olive oil Supplement with: Garlic, fennel, bay leaves, wine, parsley, sage, prosciutto, pancetta |
Latin (Sofrito) |
Aromatics used: Garlic, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes Fats: Cook with olive oil Supplement with: Chilies, bay leaves, cumin, paprika, cilantro, bacon, chorizo, ham, wine, vinegars |
Middle Eastern |
Aromatics used: Garlic, onions, tomatoes, scallions (green onions), raisins Fats: Use cooking oil and/or clarified butter Supplement with: Ginger, saffron, turmeric, cinnamon |
Thai (Curry pastes) |
Aromatics used: Shallots, garlic, chilies Fats: Cook with cooking oil and coconut milk Supplement with: Galangal, Kaffir lime, lemon grass, coconut milk |
Feast Your Eyes on Jolanda Stokkermans' Food Art
The best I've seen to date - 13 images of Jolanda Stokkermans' impressive food art
The Whole Family Will Love This Tasty Pineapple Dessert!
This recipe will show you how to make a tasty pineapple dessert that'll please the whole family.
5 Ancient Grains You Never Thought to Have for Breakfast
It’s no secret that one of the hardest things about cooking is deciding what to cook. We’re here to suggest 5 warm breakfasts you never thought of.
Appetizers to Desserts: a FULL Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
A full menu for Thanksgiving dinner, including a drink recipe and popeyes biscuits recipe.
Kitchen Tips: Make the Perfect Pancakes
This great food tutorial is going to show you the best tips and tricks to get the most perfect pancake.
Turn a Regular Egg Into Scrumptious Mini Fried Eggs
Check out this great video tutorial that'll take your eggs and turn them into a mini fried treat!
5 Best Meal Planning Sites to Save Time, Money, and Energy
These meal preparation websites will help you cook a week’s food in advance.
Why Did No One Tell Me That Beer Is So Amazing?
Did you know any of this stunning beer trivia? Frankly, I had no idea that beer was this amazing.
I Could Eat This Yummy No-Oven Cake Every Day!
When a sweet tooth strikes, this is the dessert to make! No oven is needed.
I Hope These Essential Kitchen Tips Make Your Life Easier
These tips will make you a master of your kitchen.
Love Ginger Ale? Maybe It's Time You Made Your Own...
2 easy to make recipes for organic ginger ale and ginger beer
These 10 Superfoods Are Extremely Beneficial to Our Health
These 10 Superfoods are extremely good for you. Read on to find out what they are and how they are beneficial to our bodies.
Consuming Too Much of These Healthy Foods Can Be Deadly
While they may appear to be healthy on the surface, you may be surprised to discover just how fatal these 6 foods can be.
9 Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make with a Food Processor
9 easy, healthier ice cream recipes that you can prepare in a food processor.
The 12 Best Foods for Your Abs!
Introducing the 12 best foods to burn excess stomach fat and keep your body trimmed and thin.
An Innovative Twist Using Eggs for a Healthy Breakfast Idea
Eggs are one of my favorite food. They are so versatile and can be used in a number of ways. Check out this innovative recipe.
An Italian's Secret to Making the Best Pasta
Follow these tips to prepare an excellent plate of pasta.
8 Foods That Make for the Most Filling Low-Calorie Snacks
Do you want to control your weight? Our list of top 8 most filling foods ranks the ones with the lowest calories!
This Beef Stroganoff is the Ultimate Comfort Food
This recipe will show you how to make the ultimate comfort food - beef stroganoff.
A COLLECTION of Recipes for 12 Delicious Fish Dishes
Humans have been cooking fish for thousands of years, and some countries completely depended on fish for food. We've collected our very best fish recipes here for you to enjoy.
Impress Your Guests With This Easily Made Apple Swan!
A simple and easy way to beautify any set table with beautiful little apple swans!
You Deep Fried WHAT? Weird Fried Foods and More
Have you ever tried fried maple leaves? Or a deep fried scorpion? Watch people prepare these weird meals and a few more traditional ones, too
How to Create the Perfect Home Pita Bread
If you've never tried pita bread, then you're missing out! This simple pita bread recipe will make you wonder why you never tried this before!
Try This Easy Yet Heavenly Almond and Pastry Dessert Recipe
At a glance, the pastry may look complicated to make, but it is actually quite easy. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make it.
A Fool-Proof Chili Recipe for Winter Nights!
Here's a classic and delicious chili recipe that can be made in just about an hour!
Guide: The Right Seasoning Can Do Wonders!
A steak is easy to make. A well seasoned one, though, can make all the difference.
Eat These Foods for Breakfast If You're Diabetic
Breakfast is a very important meal of the day, even more so if you're diabetic. Here are 8 healthy breakfast options for those who suffer from diabetes.
6 Terrific Recipes That Can Be Made with Medicinal Herbs
Find out how mallow, nettles, mint, elderberry, fennel, and chives are dutifully incorporated into these 6 delicious recipes!
Here's How You Can Dice Green Onions Like a Professional
Prepare to take your cooking skills to the next level by learning about the correct way to dice green onions.
Easy Trick to Know If Your Steak Is Rare or Well-Done
Judging how well done a steak is just by looking at it can be hard, thankfully, this easy trick will tell you just how done it is.
Boost Your Immune Health With This Ayurvedic Drink
Check out this wonderful traditional Ayurvedic drink called kadha that is known to boost immunity and fight the cold.
10 Vegetables and Herbs To Buy Once and Re-Grow Forever...
Some parts of vegetables and herbs that you don't normally use and just throw away can actually be used to re-grow themselves time and again. Find out more.
6 Mistakes We Make When Making Scrambled Eggs
If you want to make the perfect scrambled egg, follow these 6 simple tips.
Why You Should NEVER Eat the White Part of Moldy Bread
Many of us simply cut off mold from a slice of bread and eat the rest, but you really shouldn't do that. Find out why in this informative video.
How to Make Delicious and Healthy Avocado Chocolate Cake
Everyone thinks cakes are unhealthy, but it doesn't always have to be the case! This tasty and healthy chocolate avocado cake is a great example of this!
Upgrade Your Favorite Foods With this Common Ingredient!
How to use baking soda and drinking soda to upgrade different foods.
A Guide to 7 Unique Tomato Varieties and How to Use Them
Whoa! I never knew there were so many different varieties of tomatoes out there.
5 Ancient Grains You Never Thought to Have for Breakfast
It’s no secret that one of the hardest things about cooking is deciding what to cook. We’re here to suggest 5 warm breakfasts you never thought of.
13 Delicious Juice Recipes to Detox Your Body With...
Follow this guide to learn how to make 13 delicious juices that'll help you detoxify your body.
There is a Secret Way to Perfectly Cut a Mango...
Enjoying this tasty summer fruit has never been easier!
Surprise Everyone By Serving Them a Cake Inside an Egg!
No one will see this coming, these eggs contain little cakes...
6 Delicious and Special Soup Recipes That’ll Warm Your Body
The cold winter days that stimulate the senses are perfect for trying these 6 simple, delicious, soul-warming soup recipes.
Why You Should Never Add Cheddar Cheese To Your Omelet
You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs, but other than that, how do you make a truly superior omelet every time? This is how...
A Formula For Whipping Up Healthy 20-Minutes Meals
This video offers a delightfully simple solution for busy people - a go-to formula for healthy 20-minute meals.
Make 10 Scrumptious Dishes Using Only 3 Ingredients!
When I watch a cooking show on TV or grab a recipe book, they all look delicious, but each one requires so many ingredients – some of which I can’t even find. Using only 3 ingredients, these recipes will allow you to quickly make mouth watering dishe
4 Heavenly Chicken Soups to Spoil Yourself with This Winter
Chicken is a common soup ingredient because of its ideal tenderness and taste. Presenting 4 of the many irresistible ways to make the chicken soup of your dreams.
You Do Not Need Outdoor Space to Grow These Common Fruits
You do not need any outdoor space to grow these delicious, common fruits.