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 |
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.
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!
Do Bay Leaves Actually Make a Difference in a Dish?
Bay leaves are overlooked by many home cooks. In this video food blogger Ethan Chleboski explains why they can actually can make quite a big difference...
Make the Most Unique and Tasty Coleslaw!
Make the Most Unique and Tasty Coleslaw for your friends and family with this awesome recipe.
Would You Eat a 45-Year-Old Soup?
At this Bangkok restaurant, they have been serving a soup that simmers for 45 years.
This Guide Will Teach You Exactly How to Store Fresh Herbs
Did you know that you can make fresh herbs last much longer if you find a way to store them properly? Here's a guide to keeping them fresh.
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.
You Won't Believe What This Healthy Bread is Made of...
Wow, have you tried these new veggie flatbread recipes?! They are healthy, tasty, gorgeous and easy. Those are a few of my favorite things.
Enjoy Guilt-Free, Delicious Brownies With This Great Recipe
This is a sweet brownie treat you'll definitely want to try - delicious, guilt-free four-ingredient brownies! Read the recipe here.
I Never Realized You Can Serve a Watermelon Like This!
In this article, you’ll find creative serving suggestions, efficient ways to cut a watermelon, and even a guide to choosing the perfect specimen.
3 DASH Diet Soups for a Cozy Winter Day
3 recipes for dash diet approved sou[s that will warm up your winter
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.
These Halloween Cupcakes Are Simply the Best!
Halloween is always a fun time of year, but it's about to become more delicious and more fun thanks to this gorgeous trio of cupcakes! Here's the recipe.
Guide: The Right Seasoning Can Do Wonders!
A steak is easy to make. A well seasoned one, though, can make all the difference.
Surprise Your Sweetheart With a Valentine’s Day Breakfast
All of these recipes are simple in preparation, but very different in taste and food preferences. Find the perfect one for your special someone...
15 Delicious Street Foods to Try When You Go Traveling
The world is full of inventive dishes and each country boasts a signature street food. Here are the best street foods from around the world.
This Has to Be the Most Guilt-Free Bread Recipe Ever!
This cloud bread is carb, gluten and sugar-free. Despite those facts, it's still light, fluffy and utterly mouthwatering. Learn how to bake it today.
This Cauliflower Casserole is Comfort Food at its Best
Learn how to make your next favorite casserole recipe, using cauliflower and cheese.
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!
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!
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!
These Pies Are Truly a Feast for the Eyes and the Stomach!
If you love pies, then you absolutely need to check out these incredibly beautiful pie crusts, which are utter masterpieces.
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.
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.
Here's How to Make the Tastiest Salad Dressing!
These charts briefly explain how best to go about making a variety of delicious salad dressings.
Impress Your Guests With This Easily Made Apple Swan!
A simple and easy way to beautify any set table with beautiful little apple swans!
Make a Delicious and Unexpected Dessert: Apple Blossoms!
It's time to impress your guests with a dessert that isn't just sweet and delicious, but also stunning to look at!
18 Common Baking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
If you like fresh pastry, but your baking attempts have been less than successful, there's a good chance you're "guilty" of these 18 common baking mistakes.
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
I Hope These Essential Kitchen Tips Make Your Life Easier
These tips will make you a master of your kitchen.
KFC's Original Fried Chicken Recipe is Finally Revealed...
Colonel Sanders' nephew reveals the original secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
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.
Apparently I've Been Cooking Pasta All Wrong!
I thought I knew how to cook pasta, but apparently I've been doing it wrong!
15 Vegetables You Can Grow in a Garden Pot!
If you would love to grow vegetables, but have a limited amount of space, then we have just the solution for you - vegetables you can grow in a pot.
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.
Incredibly Delicious and Easy-To-Make Chicken Dish
A simple recipe which will leave you with mouthwatering chicken every time.
Love Ginger Ale? Maybe It's Time You Made Your Own...
2 easy to make recipes for organic ginger ale and ginger beer
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 Spice Cheat-Sheet Gives the Full Delicious Picture
This spice chart allows you to maximize the taste of any meal.
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!
Make Delicious Meatloaf Using This Simple Recipe!
This recipe teaches you how to make the most tender, most delicious meatloaf that you have ever had.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.