CookingLight diet CookingLight diet

53 Must-Have Ingredients for a Global Kitchen

October 01, 2012
Photo: Brian Woodcock
Foods and flavors from the global supermarket that every adventurous healthy cook should track down.
Start Slideshow

1 of 54

The World's Your Oyster

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Centuries ago, early traders would cross perilous waters for the chance to feast on exotic spices, fruits, and foods from far-away lands. In modern times, we are lucky to be able to find these ingredients at ethic markets, specialty stores, and even the plain old grocery store just a few miles from our homes.

From the enticingly exotic, to the new cultural staples, here’s a list of products every home cook should know about (no boat required).

 

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 54

Exotic Find: Black Garlic

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Sweet-sticky mellowed allium

3 of 54

Exotic Find: Asafoetida

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Jarringly stinky resin makes curries sublime
Advertisement

4 of 54

Exotic Find: Fresh Supermarket Ramen

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Now starring in Asian stores

5 of 54

Exotic Find: Achiote Paste

Photo: Brian Woodcock
For red-hued Yucatán spice rubs

6 of 54

Exotic Find: Jarred Wild Albacore Tuna

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Like the Euro kind, but sustainable
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 54

Exotic Find: Fermented Tofu

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Because there has to be one food that only a daredevil will eat

8 of 54

Exotic Find: Nduja

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Zingy Calabrian salami paste

9 of 54

Exotic Find: Pomegranate Molasses

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Tart-sweet Mid-East staple, astringent bite
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 54

Exotic Find: Curry Leaves

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Lovely, toasty, fragrant curry component

11 of 54

Exotic Find: Broken Rice

Photo: Brian Woodcock
SE Asian street-food texture

12 of 54

Exotic Find: Farofa

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Toasted manioc flour, kind of like breadcrumbs
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 54

Exotic Find: Quail Eggs

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Petite-sized, feel fancy

14 of 54

Exotic Find: Iberico Ham

Photo: Brian Woodcock
The Lamborghini of Spanish ham

15 of 54

Exotic Find: Cherimoya

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Creamy pineapple-banana-coconut–flavored fruit
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 54

Exotic Find: White Anchovies (Boquerones)

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Vinegar-marinated tapa

17 of 54

Exotic Find: Buddha's Hand

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Best, most fragrant lemon zest

18 of 54

Rising Stars: Fresh Fava Beans

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Your classier lima bean
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 54

Rising Stars: Peppadew Peppers

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Like candied, still-crisp red bell peppers

20 of 54

Rising Stars: Fresh Chinese Egg Noodles

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Slurpy, chewy, easy

21 of 54

Rising Stars: Frozen Indian Breads

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Because we all need more naan
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 54

Rising Stars: Marcona Almonds

Photo: Brian Woodcock
The Maserati of almonds

23 of 54

Rising Stars: Mexican Crema

Photo: Brian Woodcock
South-of-the-border crème fraîche

24 of 54

Rising Stars: Farro

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Wheatberry-like whole grain with Etruscan cred
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 54

Rising Stars: Smoked Paprika

Photo: Brian Woodcock
No-fat bacony flavor agent

26 of 54

Rising Stars: ABC Sauce

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Indonesian soy syrup, instant sweet glaze

27 of 54

Rising Stars: Castelvetrano Olives

Photo: Brian Woodcock
The Marcona of olives
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 54

Rising Stars: Mexican Chorizo

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Crumbly raw, fatty, superspiced sausage

29 of 54

Rising Stars: Bulgur

Photo: Brian Woodcock
The couscous of whole grains

30 of 54

Rising Stars: Pecan, Avocado, and Pistachio Oil

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Big flavor, healthy fats
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 54

Rising Stars: Jerk Rubs

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Because allspice is an underappreciated flavor

32 of 54

Rising Stars: Dark Palm Sugar

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Like a kick-butt maple sugar

33 of 54

Rising Stars: Tamarind

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Supertangy fruit paste
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 54

Rising Stars: Fish Sauce

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Pungent salty umami

35 of 54

Rising Stars: Soba

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Fast-cooking noodle, strong grainy taste

36 of 54

Rising Stars: Lime Leaves

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Aromatic Thai essential
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 54

New Staples: Hummus

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Versatile, nutty spread

38 of 54

New Staples: Italian Rustic Dried Pastas

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Try a new shape every week

39 of 54

New Staples: Chipotle Peppers

Photo: Brian Woodcock
Take-no-prisoners smokiness, with fire
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 54