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As I began gathering a comprehensive list of condiments, I sought the input of my husband, only to discover that our definitions of this culinary category diverged significantly, reflecting our unique perspectives on the world of food. I consulted Wikipedia, the ultimate authority on all matters. While definitions may diverge on the matter? The term initially referred to pickled or preserved foods, but has since evolved to encompass spices, sauces and other food preparations that enhance or impart specific flavours to dishes in various cultures; it may also refer to additions made after cooking, such as condiments like ketchup or relish on a burger. In some cases, individuals also utilize this term to describe seasonings added during food preparation like soy sauce or BBQ sauce.
While some individuals do employ this term to encompass spices and seasonings like salt and pepper. Regardless of how one defines the term, a few essential condiments should always be stocked for optimal culinary experiences before, during, and after meal preparation. Whether crafting your own recipes or relying on store-bought staples, these 10 essential condiments elevate vegan cuisine with versatility and flair – exploring creative applications from savory sauces to tangy toppings.
1. Ketchup
Why settle for store-bought when you can craft your own organic ketchup from scratch? Elevate the humble condiment by infusing it with international flair: transform plain ketchup into a bold, exotic experience with the addition of aromatic spices, such as the Caribbean-inspired jerk seasoning, earthy cumin, or warm curry powder. Savor the flavors of your meal with these unique accompaniments: Raw Yam Burgers, Crisp Daikon Fries, and Classic Ketchup-Infused Baked Potatoes. Ketchup proves to be a versatile addition when incorporated into various dishes beyond its traditional role as a table accompaniment, offering a burst of sweet and tangy flavor within recipes. Besides its characteristic tomato-like taste, this ingredient also contributes an undeniable depth of umami, evoking the satisfying and savory flavors commonly linked to feelings of fulfillment. To give veggie burgers a robust, meat-like flavor akin to traditional beef burgers, incorporating ketchup is a savvy move, much like the approach taken in these satisfying Vegan Sloppy Joes? With just a few simple tweaks, you can transform ketchup into a trifecta of tasty condiments: homemade BBQ sauce, Russian dressing, and the beloved Mississippi Comeback Sauce. Here’s how I like to elevate ordinary ketchup to create a glaze for vegan meatloaf that’s anything but average: I boost the intensity of flavors and aromas by crafting Spicy Balsamic Glaze Here is the rewritten text in a different style: Which condiment is easy to whip up? Simply mix together ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup of ketchup, and a pinch (¼ teaspoon) of your favorite seasonings. red pepper flakes. Apply this tangy glaze to your vegan loaf or burgers before baking to create a sumptuous and savory finish. Combine ketchup with paprika to create a unique flavor profile in the Lentil Meat Loaf with Smoked Paprika Ketchup Glaze.
2. Mustard
I’m particularly fond of mustard as a condiment. I’m enamored with the bold flavor of spicy dishes, and Dijon mustard’s tangy essence is a personal favorite. For me, it’s a go-to condiment for elevating the flavors of vegan hot dogs, sausages, and numerous sandwiches. A tangy condiment is a crucial component in various salad dressings, such as the Agave-Mustard Dressing, while also adding zest to the Potato Noodle and Green Bean Salad with its harmonious blend of chives and Dijon Vinaigrette. Here’s an unexpected twist on roasted Brussels sprouts: infuse them with the tangy, sweet flavours of a mustard-maple glaze by combining mustard with lemon juice and maple syrup to create a rich, velvety sauce.
3. Vegan Mayonnaise
Mayo is my favorite condiment. While I enjoy a good ketchup-based snack, there’s something special about savoring the rich flavor of [insert sauce name here] with my crispy fries. Vegan mayo enthusiasts rejoice! You have a range of store-bought options to choose from, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also create your own creamy concoction at home, à la our popular recipe for Creamy Low-Fat Vegan Mayonnaise with No Extracted Oil. With its neutral taste, mayonnaise serves as an ideal base for incorporating a wide range of flavours, such as the spicy kick of Sriracha or the bright, herby notes of chimmichurri.
The addition of spices elevates mayonnaise to a perfect dipping sauce, as seen in recipes like Vegan Crab Cakes with Sweet Balsamic Mayo and Tempeh Crab Cakes with Horseradish Dill Mayo. Vegan mayo at its finest: crafting a delectable Eggless Egg Salad Sandwich that’ll delightfully satisfy any craving for the classic comfort food, sans eggs.
4. Soy Sauce
With their robust flavors and umami depths, soy sauce and its variation, tamari, offer unparalleled versatility as a staple condiment in any pantry. Soy sauce plays a multifaceted role in culinary creations, extending far beyond its use as a condiment for already prepared dishes. Create a variety of delicious sauces with this versatile recipe: Garlic Sauce, Sweet and Sour Sauce, Saute Sauces, and Hoisin Sauce? Savor the authentic flavors of China with our signature Dim Sum Soy Sauce Chow Mein Noodles, General Tso’s Tofu, and Pomegranate Sweet and Sour Tempeh – a trifecta of culinary delights that harmoniously blend traditional techniques with modern twists. Savvy cooks know that soy sauce’s umami depth can elevate dishes beyond Asian cuisine, transforming ingredients like tofu into flavorful stars. Simply marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce and water imbues the dish with great taste, as demonstrated in recipes such as Tofu Scallops or Soy Maple Tempeh Bowl.
5. Tahini
Tahini is a creamy spread made by grinding roasted sesame seeds into a smooth consistency, requiring minimal effort to produce at home. While some enthusiasts enjoy it as is, its versatility shines when used as a flavor booster in dishes such as creamy hummus, zesty salad dressings, savory dips, and rich sauces. Protein-packed vegan tofu burgers are elevated by the richness of tahini dressing, while a super-healthy kale salad takes center stage alongside creamy ginger tahini dressing. Baked falafel pairs beautifully with cucumber noodle salad and a refreshing mint tahini dressing, and eggplant slices revel in the savory flavors of tahini-cumin sauce. Even dessert gets a boost from these tantalizing Tahini Orange Date Crumble Cookies. Discover a world of flavors by exploring the vast array of tahini sauce recipes at How to Make Tasty Tahini Sauces to Satisfy Your Cravings.
6. Hot Sauce
I’m passionately devoted to hot sauce as a staple in my culinary arsenal. Here’s a simplified version of the text in a different style:
Make your own hot sauce with ease! This versatile ingredient not only imparts a burst of flavour and heat to various dishes, but also enables the creation of an array of delectable sauces, including Chinese BBQ Sauce, Vegan “Fish” Sauce, and Spicy Vegan Cheese Sauce. The quintessential use for hot sauce: crafting the iconic Buffalo sauce that elevates wings to new heights? Imagine a culinary experience where bold flavors converge: once you have the foundation of spicy buffalo sauce, you can transform it into an array of mouthwatering dishes, including crispy Buffalo Tofu Fries, savory Buffalo Tempeh Meatballs, crunchy Buffalo Roasted Chickpeas, delectable Grilled Buffalo Tofu Po’ Boys, and addictive Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. With its bold, fiery flavor, hot sauce is an indispensable condiment that can elevate the taste of any dish and ignite your palate at will.
7. BBQ Sauce
Making your own BBQ sauce from scratch is surprisingly straightforward, rendering the need to purchase it at all unnecessary. The fundamental formula for this dish entails harmoniously blending a rich tomato foundation with a tangy acidity, a touch of sweetness, and a medley of aromatic spices. With a solid grasp of the fundamental formula, you’re empowered to creatively combine ingredients, crafting unique and tantalizing BBQ sauces that showcase your personal flair. Feel free to tweak the proportions of these ingredients to suit your taste preferences – maybe you’ll opt for a tangier tomato flavour, a punchier vinegar kick, a sweeter profile, or an added layer of heat. My Basic BBQ Sauce The recipe yields a slightly sweeter profile than spicy, with a burst of citrus from added orange juice. To create this unique saucepan combination, combine 2 cups of ketchup, 1 ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¾ cup maple syrup, the zest and juice of half an orange, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon. black pepper. Simmer gently over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and allow the mixture to cook undisturbed for approximately 30 minutes, or until it reaches the desired consistency. With a foundation of BBQ sauce, the possibilities expand: crafting Hoisin-style condiments, amplifying flavors with spicy balsamic twists, or venturing into exotic territories like Hawaiian or Cajun BBQ creations. Here are some creative ways to use this tangy BBQ sauce: in recipes like Pineapple Jack BBQ Sandwiches, Hoisin Black Bean Burgers, Balsamic BBQ Seitan or Tempeh Ribs, Vegan BBQ Lentil Meatball Sandwich, or Vegan BBQ Tofu Wings.
8. Sour Cream
Vegan sour cream offers a versatile base for culinary creativity. Here is the improved/revised text:
When crafting my Coconut Sour Cream from scratch, I enjoy experimenting with additional flavors, such as infusing it with the spicy kick of green chilies or smoky heat of chipotle peppers. Sour cream can be a base for making your own delicious and healthy condiments. Tzatziki SauceTo create my signature dip, I combine one cup of tangy sour cream with ½ of a large diced cucumber, a punch of flavor from one minced or grated clove of garlic, a splash of citrus from the juice of half a lemon, a drizzle of rich olive oil, and a hint of spice from 1-2 teaspoons. of chopped dill. Flavour with salt and pepper as desired. Tzatziki sauce is the quintessential accompaniment to falafel and chickpea burgers. Here’s a tangy condiment pairing perfectly with crispy Sweet Potato Latkes or savory Sour Cream and Onion Kale Chips: Chutney Sour Cream!
9. Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
Before my vegan days, I had a fondness for Worcestershire sauce. With its rich variety of flavors and aromatic spices, this ingredient is a culinary game-changer, elevating countless dishes to new heights. Luckily, plant-based alternatives to Worcestershire sauce are available, including vegan options that can be found with relative ease. More specifically, it’s also possible to locate vegan and gluten-free versions, albeit perhaps requiring slightly more effort in the search process. Crafted with a trifecta of flavors – the depth of tamari, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the tangy tartness of tamarind – this culinary masterpiece imparts an addictive, savory essence that elevates dishes to new heights. Vegan Worcestershire sauce is a staple ingredient that appears in numerous recipes, including my beloved Kidney Bean Walnut Burgers served with the tangy Mississippi Comeback Sauce, as well as Pasta dishes like Vegan Bolognese Sauce, hearty Vegan Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak, Homemade Chile Sauce, and Seitan Pot Roast. Vegan Worcestershire sauce has become a go-to secret ingredient in my culinary arsenal for adding depth and umami to plant-based dishes that can rival the flavor profile of its traditional, animal-derived counterpart.
10. Horseradish
Ultimately, I make sure that a jar of pre-prepared horseradish is always stocked in my refrigerator. Here’s a revised version: While I often serve it as a complement to my Vegan Gefilte “Fish”, I also utilize this versatile condiment in a variety of other recipes. Elevate your vegan crab cakes with a tangy and refreshing dipping sauce by blending horseradish and dill into creamy vegan mayonnaise. Combining the pungency of horseradish with the tanginess of Dijon mustard and the creaminess of vegan mayo yields a sublime condiment for your innovative Eggplant Crunchburgers. Use 5 of the condiments in this list to make your own Quick Vegan Russian Dressing: Combine one-third cup of vegan mayonnaise and two tablespoons ketchup, 1 Tbs. prepared horseradish, 1 tsp. vegan Worcestershire sauce, 1/8 tsp. Hot sauce, kosher salt, and pepper to taste. A tangy and creamy condiment – this dressing is perfect as a topping for salads or vegan sandwiches, such as a Reuben-style sandwich.
Everyone has their favorite condiments. Here are the top 10 indispensable pantry staples that I rely on daily: Which condiments are your favorites? What’s your favorite way to relax after a long day?
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