Condiments That Make You Want to Eat Your Food
The success of a meal plan can only be judged by the percentage consumed. It may seem obvious, but following a good meal plan requires planning the meals you want to eat . Choosing the right proteins, vegetables, and side dishes is important, but choosing the right seasonings — I’m talking about sauces, marinades, and pickles — is even more important.
You know these sauces are so good that your view of all other foods changes from “things I would like to eat” to “a delivery system for said sauce.” Acquiring or preparing condiments of this flavor level is part of what I call “ flavor planning, ” and its importance should not be underestimated. Once you figure out what kind of food you will be eating this week, think about which sauces, sauces, marinades, and pickled foods go well with that food. It doesn’t have to be difficult or new to you. For example, I’ve found myself eating more salad when I make this blue cheese dressing , and that this pickled corn brings sweet, tangy bursts of joy even in the saddest instant bowl of ramen. Two – one sauce and one marinade – is usually sufficient, since you can’t overwhelm yourself with too many options. (But actually, if you want to make five different pickles, make five different pickles; live your tastiest life.) Also make sure you have a bottle of your favorite hot sauce on hand. Hot sauce is essential.
If you need inspiration to create your own handmade condiments, we have quite a few. (You will notice the lack of homemade ketchup; this is intentional .):
- This 3-way ginger dressing tastes like a Japanese restaurant.
- This hot peanut sauce is great for cold noodles and everything else.
- Two-component duck sauce
- This Sichuan Sauce Cheat from McDonald’s (made famous by Rick and Morty)
- A creamy yogurt and cheese paste known as labnech.
- CHEESE MAYO
- DUCK FAT MAYO
- This very nice, very simple blue cheese dressing
- Unusual ruddy vinaigrette with oil
- Miso – for adding umami to store-bought sauces, condiments, and dressings.
- Speaking of miso, prepare this marinade for all your meat needs.
- In fact, cook all these light marinades .
- Taco Bell Salt , obviously
- Pesto from kitchen waste
- My best friend, pickled corn
- Grilled pickled vegetables
- Beer pickled vegetables
Obviously, any store-bought sauces, condiments, and pickles are fair game. If you have a favorite seasoning that helps you eat everything in front of you, share it in the comments. I ate nutritional yeast straight off my plate, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of.