Sometimes (often?) dinner needs to be get on the table quick (like, 5 minutes ago).
That's when I turn to my favourite kitchen hack for a quick boost of flavour.
It's the trick I use in my kitchen when I'm short on time, or just feeling plain lazy, without wanting to skimp on flavour (because, who wants to skimp on flavour, ever?)
The trick: using a flavour paste as a quick topping, marinade or sauce.
I always have a few jars of such 'flavour bombs' to hand, and use them regularly.
Most of them keep well in the fridge for a while, especially if the top is sealed with a thick layer of olive oil to keep the air out.
Some are home-made, some are shop bought.
. I'm talking about things like:
Sundried tomato paste
Olive paste (tapenade)
Harissa (Maroccan-style spiced chilli paste, more flavour than heat)
Miso paste (Japanese-style fermented rice paste)
Umami paste (the miso concept reimagined, e.g. fermented bean paste)
Thai-style curry spice paste (note: the spice paste not the sauce), or any other spice paste (Indian, Malaysian, Jamaican...)
Pesto (any kind: basically minced herbs and oil, with optional added nuts and/or cheese)
Veggie stock paste (basically veggies minced with salt)
. How I use any of them:
As a quick topping for grilled or roasted fish fillets (or other quick cooking meat like chicken fillets) - just smother on top, like so.
As a topping for 'meaty' vegetables like aubergine, courgette, squash, cauliflower before grilling or roasting.
For more of a 'herb crust' effect mix with breadcrumbs, oats or ground almonds (or other nuts).
As a quick marinade mixed with olive oil and perhaps other flavourings/herbs.
Smothered all over a piece of meat for the slowcooker or the oven.
Mixed into a stir-fry.
Mixed into fried rice.
Drizzled on eggs (fried, poached or hard-boiled)
Mixed into a salad dressing or sauce for extra flavour
Mixed into mayonnaise, hummus or smashed beans for a quick dip or dressing.
Tossed with boiled new potatoes or smothered over roast potatoes before they go in the oven
Last but not least: I love any of these on toast for a quick snack!
. Of course, this list is not exhaustive: I'm sure there are many other uses!
This website uses cookies. Using this website means you are ok with this. Learn more about our cookie policy and your cookie choices here
X
WHAT'S YOUR COOKING PERSONALITY?
Decode how you show up in your kitchen. Discover the magic ingredient to spice up your confidence and boost your cooking skills. Get custom tips to save time, cook more and stress less.