Resource Guide

Top 7 Condiments That Can Enhance Your Meals

Resident Contributor

When it comes to fancy food, people may think it requires time, preparation, and expensive special ingredients. However, there are condiments with simple ingredients that can surprisingly turn your plain dishes into a fine dining experience. Here are some condiments that can enhance your everyday meals without requiring extensive preparation and high costs.

1. Spicy Avocado Crema

This creamy yet spicy condiment is made from avocado, Mexican crema, and the iconic Sriracha Sauce that gives this condiment a special kick. If you don’t have Mexican crema, crème fraîche or sour cream can stand in as a replacement. Spicy avocado crema adds a luxurious touch to nachos, quesadillas, and grilled meats, providing a refreshing yet spicy flavor profile.

2. Harissa

This North African paste may not be among the most popular names in the culinary world; however, it is quite versatile and also requires few ingredients to make. The two main ingredients in Harissa are roasted chiles and spices. This condiment is great for marinating meats or adding depth to soups and stews. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables like squash.

3. Dijonnaise

To create this condiment, you only need high-quality mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and spices, which are popular ingredients that can be found in many supermarkets. This versatile condiment enhances the taste of sandwiches and burgers. It can also serve as a dressing for potato salad, which will give the familiar salad a new and interesting taste.

4. Honey Mustard

Everyone knows what this condiment is, but not everyone knows how honey mustard can be incorporated into certain food for the best tasting experience. Made from only Dijon mustard and honey, honey mustard is the perfect flavorful dip for chicken or a dressing for salads. It combines sweetness with a tangy kick that will absolutely leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

5. Satay Sauce

A condiment that easily calls to mind the essence of Asian cuisine, satay sauce is ideal for grilled meats and skewers. It also adds a rich flavor that complements many dishes. To make satay sauce, you need peanut butter, coconut milk, jalapeño peppers, and soy sauce, which are everyday ingredients that you won’t have much trouble finding.

6. Burger Sauce

Made of mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickles, this sauce combines the best elements of traditional burger toppings into one creamy condiment perfect for dipping fries or enhancing burgers. If you are an adventurous diner, you can customize this condiment by adding your favorite spices or adjusting the sweetness and tanginess to suit your taste.

7. Enchilada Sauce

This condiment is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes, particularly enchiladas. It can also serve as a topping for baked dishes like stuffed peppers and as a base for spaghetti Bolognese, chili con carne, lasagna, or other tomato-based dishes. You can create enchilada sauce at home following various recipes tailored to your preferences, or simply buy a jar of enchilada sauce from the store.

Good Food Doesn’t Need Much Complexity

The aforementioned sauces are not only easy to make, but also simple in their composition, which is ideal during this busy time. These condiments not only add flavor but also bring a touch of elegance to your meals, proving that simple ingredients can create impressive results.

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