If you don’t cook often, or perhaps you cook all the time but never really splash out in trying new things, then some flavor combinations are just waiting for you!
When you master all of the different flavor combinations, you’ll be able to work wonders with any type of meat or vegetables – with complete confidence.
Once you have tasted a few of the best combinations, try this recipe for chicken fajitas in the crockpot – delicious and inspiring for your next kitchen adventure.
Apple & Onion
The sweet and tart flavor of apples works wonderfully with the zingy onion. When cooked down together, they both offer a deeper flavor. Apple and onion have long been used to make rich and sticky chutneys, but you don’t have to put in that much effort to get the best from them.
Fruit the onions with a bit of olive oil, peel an apple, and add some slices.
Once the mix is cooked, it’s perfect for adding to pork.
Warm spices
For baking warm cakes or topping over meaty lamb dishes, there are a couple of warm spices that make the job a lot easier.
You can mix these up in advance, so you have them to hand, or you can just use them in the amounts that you like.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and coriander are like a warm hug from the inside.
A great measurement is:
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon each of coriander and ginger
Because this warm spice mix packs a punch, try to air on the cautious side the first few times you use it.
Lavender & Lemon
Lavender is known for being one of the most relaxing herbs and is usually found in everything from face creams to soothe irritated skin to teas to help you go to sleep at night.
Lemon, on the other hand, is known for bringing lightness and a bit of zing to food.
Lavender is a more subtle soft flavor but is quite floral, while lemon is a little sour and bright. They balance each other very well in baked goods.
Garlic and Chives
If you like green onions, the chives can bring a little bit of that bite to almost any dish. Chives are known for going well with cheese, as they compliment the creaminess very well.
Garlic might be one of the most used seasonings, and with good reason; it has a rich flavor and is one that is synonymous with Asian dishes, Italian dishes, and many more besides.
If you don’t like spicy food but you like flavor, then garlic can be the ideal choice as it does have some heat without the spice.
So the combination of garlic and chives is simple but can work either dry, fresh, or ground into a paste with a little bit of salt and olive oil.
Lemon & Basil
If you are in the mood for something that tastes fresh as can be, then lemon and basil are the combinations to do it.
Basil is one of the most commonly used herbs in Italian cuisine, but you will also find Thai basil used in many Asian dishes, and what might surprise you is that Pakistan, India, and Iran have plenty.
So the next time you want a flavor combination that is going to give you that freshness – even in a meal of potatoes or pasta, then lemon and basil it is.
You can increase the flavor by combining garlic, salt, lemon, and basil.
Mint and Mustard
Mustard, French, grainy, or hot all bring a potent punch of flavor to your dish. Mustard is great for dipping or as part of a flavorful sauce.
Mint, on the other hand, is associated with soothing the tummy, something refreshing and, more often than not, a garnish.
But the combination of mustang and mint works so well. The upfront flavor of the mustard is the first note, but it soon gives way to the fresh mint. It works particularly on lamb dishes.
To make this little firecracker dip or sauce, use a cup of mint leaves, 4 cloves of garlic, a pinch of pepper, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of your favorite mustard. Pop them in a blender, and add olive oil until it is the consistency that you want.
A kitchen is a place where you can experiment with flavors and create new and interesting sensations. Part of the reason we love food is that each spice and herb brings a new taste into the mix – and it can often be quite exciting.
The great thing about making your own spice mixes is that you can store them away for later, and use them for dishes like this: Easy Sheet Pan Italian Potatoes.