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 |
Love Indian Cuisine? Here's How to Make Tasty Naan Bread!
This is how you can make delicious naan bread at home to go alongside some delicious curry!
Delight Your Friends & Family Using Only a Rice Cooker
Your rice cooker can be used to cook much more than just plain old rice, so why not give these 5 recipes a try?
Feast Your Eyes on Jolanda Stokkermans' Food Art
The best I've seen to date - 13 images of Jolanda Stokkermans' impressive food art
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!
Would You Eat a 45-Year-Old Soup?
At this Bangkok restaurant, they have been serving a soup that simmers for 45 years.
Do You Buy Low Quality Spices? This Guide Will Help
To help you identify the difference between real and fake spices, read through this guide and learn to identify the quality of spices you buy.
The KFC Secret Recipe Cat Is Out of the Bag - Here it Is
Colonel Sanders' nephew reveals the original secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
You May Have Never Heard of These Delicious Fruits...
These delicious, exotic fruits are not something you see every day, but are worth investigating for their terrific taste.
This Is Arguably the Tastiest Carrot Cake You'll Ever Make
Carrot cake is such a wonderful dessert that even people who dislike the funny-shaped root vegetable can't resist it. This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to make a delicious carrot cake.
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.
How to Make Delicious Vegan Bolognese
Bolognese is a great comfort food. Most people think that you need to use meat to make a great Bolognese, but, as this recipe proves, this is not the case.
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.
We Bet You've Never Tasted Potatoes As Delicious As These
These are the best potatoes you have ever tasted!
3 Glasses of Sunshine: Drink Recipes for the Hot Weather
Spring and summer are on their way, so what better time than to start perfecting your drink making skills. These sunny juices will quench your gaping thirst.
Re-Grow These 10 Vegetables - Just Use Water!
It's amazing how much money you can save by re-growing these 10 favorite vegetables! Follow our tips and instructions to learn more about how you can have a constant supply of your favorite greens, without paying an extra penny.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You've Got to Try these Delicious and Comforting Winter Salads
These hearty, comforting salads will take your mind off classic winter, comfort food.
13 Delicious Dishes You Can Make Using a Waffle Iron
I didn't think I could find so many ways to use a waffle iron to create delicious meals.
This is How You Make Delicious Home-Made Hummus
Hummus is delicious, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make your own.
This Is How Long You Can Freeze These Foods For!
We all know that freezing food prevents it from rotting. Here's a complete guide to how long you can let different foods stay frozen until they go bad!
This Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is Simply Delicious
Home-made macaroni and cheese is much tastier than that which you can buy in a store. By using a slow cooker, you can make the tastiest macaroni and cheese ever.
KFC's Original Fried Chicken Recipe is Finally Revealed...
Colonel Sanders' nephew reveals the original secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
I Hope These Essential Kitchen Tips Make Your Life Easier
These tips will make you a master of your kitchen.
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!
Learn How to Roast Peanuts in a Microwave 3 Simple Ways
Find out how to to microwave roasted peanuts and how to make them taste better with some yummy seasoning options.
Whet Your Appetite with These Delicious Salmon Fish Cakes
Fish cakes can be served as a starter or a main course, this recipe will teach you how to make delicious salmon fish cakes.
8 Drinks That Help Burn Extra Fat Around Your Waistline
You may be surprised to discover that there are a number of drinks that can help you lose weight. Let's take a look at 8 of them.
9 Great Dressing Ideas to Freshen Up Your Salad
Hungry for some juicy salad dressing ideas to spice up your salad? These simple and healthy recipes are just what you need for inspiration!
6 Mistakes We Make When Making Scrambled Eggs
If you want to make the perfect scrambled egg, follow these 6 simple tips.
Avocados Are Incredibly Versatile, as These 6 Recipes Show
Avocados are more versatile than you ever imagined, and I'm sure these 6 recipes will make you want to include them in your diet from hereon.
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...
After Reading This, You'll Never Buy Expensive Meat Again!
Do you know what the major difference between a cheap and an expensive cut of meat is? Here are 5 effective methods of making tough cuts of meat taste absolutely heavenly!
These Are the Healthiest Hash Browns Ever Prepared!
Yes, you can have hash browns for breakfast, with this healthy and delicious cauliflower alternative recipe. Watch and learn!
THIS is Why I Love Italian Cuisine!
What makes the Italian cuisine one of the best in the world? Watch and learn.
15 Peculiar Food Combinations That People Actually Love
Take a look at these weird food combinations that sound gross but are actually quite delicious.
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.
Guide: The Right Seasoning Can Do Wonders!
A steak is easy to make. A well seasoned one, though, can make all the difference.
This Delicious Bread Has No Carbs, No Gluten and No Sugar
Known as cloud bread, this carb and gluten free bread is soft, airy and fluffy, and so delicious, it practically melts in your mouth. All you need are three ingredients to make it - let's take a look.
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!
GUIDE: Which Pasta Shape Works Best with Which Sauce?
Pasta shapes aren't just a matter of aesthetics, as different shapes lend themselves to different sauces. Here's what you need to know.
Incredibly Delicious and Easy-To-Make Chicken Dish
A simple recipe which will leave you with mouthwatering chicken every time.
Ancient Recipe Corner: Old Timey Festive Buttered Beer
Whip out your pewter pots for this medieval recipe! We'll be making buttered beer, with a non-alcoholic version included.
This Crispy Lemon Pie Is Made From Just One Batter!
It's hard to believe how this delicious dessert's creamy filling and perfect crunchy crust is made. Take a look and save the recipe.
Reduce Your Carbs By Choosing the Right Food Alternatives
Reducing our carbohydrate intake is not as hard as it may seem. Find out what healthier alternatives you can make here.