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So we talked to a bunch of R.D.s about their favorite flavorful ingredients for making food taste amazing.
Fatima Guisado/Adobe Stock
Here are their picks.
Fresh herbs
Fresh herbs are my secret weapon for adding flavor to meals.
I started to grow a herb garden at home, and I’m surprised how easy it is.
Not to mention it’s much less expensive than buying fresh herbs at the supermarket.
I use it when making soups or congee, and even to add some umami flavor to stir-fries.
This ingredient has been used in traditional Asian cuisines for decades.
ofStreet Smart Nutrition
Try it:McCormick Culinary MSG Flavor Enhancer, $21,amazon.com
5.
It can be as easy as a squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange juice.
It can also be a plain or flavored vinegar you have in the pantry.
If there’s one condiment I churn through the fastest, it’s harissa paste.
It adds heat and spice, but also smokiness and a depth of flavor.
I love the brand Dea ($9,Amazon)."
Rachael Hartley, R.D., certified intuitive eating counselor and owner ofRachael Hartley Nutrition
7.
Cinnamon
I’m actually a big fan of cinnamon.
It adds a natural sweetness to foods and is very versatile.
I love to sprinkle it on my yogurt, oatmeal, coffee, popcorn, etc.
It is amazing on fruit like thesewatermelon friesI always make, mango, and apple.
Abbey Sharp, R.D., dietitian, blogger, and YouTuber atAbbeys Kitchen
10.
Anchovy paste
I know, fish puree in a tube sounds gross.
I’ve been known to squeeze the entire tube into a pot of tomato sauce!
It keeps forever tooI always have a tube of it in my fridge, ready to use.
Abby Langer, R.D.
Try it:Amore Anchovy Paste, $7 for a pack of two,amazon.com
11.
Once I tried it, I couldn’t stop either.
I add it to my salads, eggs, sandwiches, even cooked dinnersit’s perfect with chicken!
Pick some up at an Italian grocery store, or in the Italian section of large supermarkets.
Spoon it over everything.
Abby Langer, R.D.
Try it:That Pickle Guy Classic Olive Muffalata, $19,amazon.com
12.
Garam masala
Growing up in India, spices were an integral part of the cuisine.
Homemade salsa
One of my go-to flavor enhancers is mymom’s salsa recipe.
Lemon zest
Lemon zest is my go-to ingredient to add a punch of ultra-bright, citrusy flavor.
Youll need a microplane for easy zesting, and of course, a stash of fresh lemons.
Made with green chiles and a blend of spices, it is authentic yumminess anyone will love.
Lately, Im loving it as a topping on sourdough starter pancakes!
Maxine C. Yeung, M.S., R.D., C.P.T., creator ofThe Wellness Whisk
17.
I especially love cumin and saffron.
Cumin goes great in my rice meals, in addition to saffron.
Want a table full of taste, aroma and color?
These two are cooking essentials!
Berkeley Athletics
18.
In terms of the flavor profile, coconut aminos have a similar umami with sweet notes.
Both are a good source of protein as well as trace minerals.
Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce
I love chili garlic sauce!
It packs a great amount of heat and delivers more flavor than traditional hot sauces.
It always puts the final touch on my favorite marinades and stir-fry sauces.
It is also super-versatile.
For instance, I mix it with soy sauce to enjoy with sushi.
I also enjoy it combined with mayo to have on a sandwich.
Tahini
I love using tahini in both sweet and savory recipes.
Tahini is a blend of sesame seeds and provides a nutty flavor profile to recipes.
(The mixture comes out red or orange or green, depending on what I use.)
It’s also a great way to use up ingredients in the fridge, preventing food spoilage and waste.
Veronica E. Garnett, M.S., R.D., Health at Every Size and fat-positive registered dietitian and culinarian
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