Flavor Boosters

By Tim Cebula
February 11, 2009
Credit: Lee Harrelson
Keep an assortment of condiments on hand to add quick, no-fuss flavor boosts to simple dishes. Here are some of our favorites.
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Sambal Oelek

Credit: Lee Harrelson
This Indonesian chile paste lends spice and tang to a wide variety of dishes. Made of ground chilies and vinegar, it adds zip to soups, stews, sauces, vegetables, and even Bloody Marys (use one to two teaspoons in place of the hot sauce in this recipe). Use the potent mixture sparingly.

Recipes that get a kick from sambal oelek:
Bibimbop (Rice and Vegetable Medley)
Hot and Sour Coconut Soup
Chile-Glazed Shrimp
Spicy Tofu Udon Noodle Bowl

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Chutney

Credit: Lee Harrelson
Bottled chutney comes in many flavors, including cranberry, peach, tomato, and mango. Work it into stock-based sauces or use it to add subtle, fruity sweetness to the cooking liquid in braised dishes. On its own, it pairs nicely with roasted and grilled meats and curry dishes.

Try different chutney flavors in these recipes:
Cheddar Rice Casserole with Tomato Chutney
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Arugula and Chutney
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich with Mango Chutney
Broiled Salmon Fillets with Curried Chutney Sauce
Barbecued Flank Steak with Chutney-Bourbon Glaze

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Salsa

Credit: Lee Harrelson
One of the most popular condiments, this versatile blend isn’t relegated only to south-of-the-border dishes. Use it to spice up pasta dishes, or as the sauce for baked fish such as snapper or grouper or grilled meats including beef, chicken, and pork.

Use your favorite bottled salsa in one of these more than 200 main-dish recipes.

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Peanut Sauce

Credit: Lee Harrelson
This Southeast Asian concoction is rich and mildly spicy. Stir it into noodle dishes, mix it with rice wine vinegar and peanut oil for a distinctive salad dressing, or use it as a dip for dumplings and summer rolls. Despite its exotic provenance, its peanutty flavor often makes it a hit with kids as well.

To save time, use bottled peanut sauce instead of making your own in these recipes:
Spicy Chicken and Sunchoke Stir-Fry
Stir-Fried Tofu and Spring Greens with Peanut Sauce
Spicy Peanut Noodles with Shrimp
Beef Sate with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Chicken Burgers with Peanut Sauce

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