These sauces and condiments you should always have in your fridge
Sauces and condiments are little treasures hidden away in our refrigerators, capable of transforming any dish into a veritable feast :-) Here are some essential sauces and condiments to spice up your everyday recipes, and always have something to spice up your meals!
Soy sauce
An essential ingredient in Asian cuisine, soy sauce is rich in umami, that famous savory flavor that enhances dishes. Whether for marinating, seasoning sautéed vegetables or drizzling over a bowl of rice, it's always ready to intensify flavors. Choose light soy sauce for lighter sauces, and the darker version if you like stronger tastes!
Mustard
Classic, but always useful, mustard is perfect for spicing up vinaigrettes, marinating meat, or accompanying grilled meats. Its creamy texture and potency make it a must-have. What's more, it's an ideal base for creating other sauces like honey mustard.
Ketchup
If you think ketchup is just for fries, think again! This versatile condiment can also be used as a base for barbecue sauces, to accompany homemade burgers- in short, it's a must-have!
Mayonnaise
What would a sandwich or potato salad be without a good mayonnaise? This creamy, classic condiment lends itself to additions like garlic, lemon or fresh herbs for even more flavor. For a lighter version, think homemade mayonnaise made with olive oil, or hard-boiled eggs (find the recipe right here).
Pesto
Pesto, traditionally made with basil, pine nuts and Parmesan, is a versatile sauce. It can be spread on bread, mixed with pasta or served with grilled vegetables. You can also vary it with pistachio pestos, zucchini pestos, and even using parsley! :-)
Hot sauces
For those who like to spice up their dishes, hot sauces are a must. These condiments add character and a welcome kick of heat to any meal!
- Sriracha: The star of Thai street food tables, this sauce made from fermented chillies is mild and sweet, with a spiciness that rises slowly but surely. Perfect for a bowl of noodles, eggs or even pizza, it has become a global must-have.
- Harissa: Originally from the Maghreb, harissa is a paste of red chillies blended with spices such as cumin and caraway. It's rich and fragrant, ideal for accompanying couscous, marinating meats or even spicing up a simple tomato sauce.
- Tabasco: A classic among classics, this American sauce made from red chillies aged in oak barrels adds an acidic spiciness, perfect for cocktails (such as Bloody Mary), oysters, or to give a kick to soups and stews.
Barbecue sauce
Rich, slightly sweet and smoky, barbecue sauce is perfect for grilling. Use it as a marinade for ribs, a sauce for burgers, sandwiches or even to dip nuggets!
Tahini sauce
Tahini, a sesame paste, is widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is an essential ingredient in hummus and can also be transformed into a creamy sauce for vegetables or salads. Its slightly nutty taste adds a gourmet touch to any dish.
To continue :
The world tour in 9 emblematic saucesIf you are one of those who believe that a good sauce can work magic on any dish, get ready for a flavorful journey. From the most exotic corners of South Korea to the grills of Argentina, these 9 sauces are authentic emblems of their cultures and have the power to transform any meal into a feast.
And you, which sauce do you always have in your fridge? Tell us in comments!
