Spices - Why I Call Them Flavour Friends
When I first started developing recipes for Just4Me cooks, I realised something fascinating about spices and condiments - they're like faithful friends who can completely transform a simple meal into something extraordinary. Take a basic combination of chicken and vegetables. On their own, they're perfectly fine, but perhaps a bit... well, boring. Add a few carefully chosen spices and condiments, though, and suddenly, that same chicken and vegetables could be travelling to Thailand with lemongrass and fish sauce or taking a trip to Morocco with cumin and harissa.
That's why I started calling them 'Flavour Friends' – because, like good friends, they work together to bring out the best in everything they touch. And just as you wouldn't invite everyone you know to every gathering, you don't need every spice and condiment in your pantry. You just need your favourites - the ones that bring you joy.
Understanding Your Flavour Preferences
One of the biggest revelations in my cooking journey was understanding that while I loved eating Thai food at restaurants, I didn't need every single Thai ingredient in my pantry to create those flavours at home. What I needed was to identify the key Flavour Friends that created the essence of Thai cuisine for my palate.
For me, it turned out that lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce were the non-negotiables. These three Flavour Friends could transform any simple protein and vegetable combination into something that satisfied my craving for Thai flavours. I discovered that I could get lemongrass-infused oil instead of fresh lemongrass (which often went to waste in my small household) Cobram lemongrass and ginger Olive oil is my go to and it worked perfectly for my needs.
Creating Your Flavour Friend Groups
Think about the cuisines you love most. Is it the warmth of Indian food? The umami-rich tastes of Japanese cooking? The bright, zesty flavours of Mexican dishes? Whatever your preferences, start there. Create little groups of Flavour Friends in your pantry based on these favourite cuisines.
For instance, if you love Indian food, you might group together:
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Natural yoghurt
- Tamarind paste
With just these few items, you can create a wealth of Indian-inspired dishes. No need for 15 different spices that might go stale before you use them up.
The Power of Pantry Organisation
One of the most practical tips I can share from my Just4Me cooking journey is the importance of keeping your Flavour Friends together. I used to have salt and pepper in three different places in my kitchen! Now, I use small baskets to group my Flavour Friends by cuisine. When I want to cook something Thai-inspired, I simply grab that basket, and everything I need is right there.
This system not only makes cooking more efficient but also helps prevent waste. When your Flavour Friends are organised, you're less likely to buy duplicates or forget about ingredients hidden at the back of your pantry.
Embracing Simplicity
The beauty of the Flavour Friends approach is its simplicity. You don't need a professional chef's pantry to create delicious, internationally-inspired meals. What you need is a thoughtfully curated collection of spices and condiments that you love and will actually use.
Remember, cooking Just4Me isn't about recreating restaurant-perfect dishes. It's about creating food that delights you, using ingredients that bring you joy. Whether that's a simple piece of chicken transformed by your favourite herb blend or vegetables elevated by a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil, your Flavour Friends are there to help make every meal special.
Your Flavour Journey
I encourage you to start thinking about your own Flavour Friends. What are the spices and condiments that you reach for again and again? Which ones make you excited to cook, even when you're tired after a long day? These are your core Flavour Friends, the ones worthy of prime real estate in your pantry.
For Thermomix owners, this approach works beautifully with your machine. You can create your own spice blends using whole spices, ensuring maximum freshness and flavour. Store these in small jars with your other Flavour Friends, and you'll always be ready to create something delicious.
Remember, cooking Just4Me should bring you joy. With your Flavour Friends organised and ready to help, every meal becomes an opportunity to create something that truly delights you - even if it's just you you're cooking for.
