As a Chef that cooks for so many different types of people. The most important thing when preparing a meal is flavor! The flavor of a dish can take you far. I’ve demonstrated for many spectators and conducted many interviews but, the one question that always remains the same is “What is your go to seasoning?” Or “What seasonings must you have on hand to cook the perfect meal?” Each and every time I reply with simplest answer. Salt and Pepper! That’s right folks. If ya girl was stuck in a deserted kitchen and couldn’t take her spice cabinet. I’m going for the salt & pepper. Don’t get me wrong I loveeee me some seasonings and I go ham with the powders but these things ARE NOT NECESSITIES! Let’s start to normalize not using garlic powder, onion powder for everything because truth be told all you need are aromatics. That’s right ladies and gents Chef Lory is dropping gems today and trying to put you on to something! Aromatics will not only enhance any dish with their unique flavors but, they are also very colorful and give beautiful contrast to your meal. Aromatics can be defined as, a vegetable and/or herb that adds flavor and aroma to a dish. When cooked together, these ingredients help create layers of flavor in your food especially when heated in a fat like butter or oil at the beginning of a dish.
The secrets out! So while you going hard in the kitchen with your Mrs. Dash and Lawry’s truth be told all you really need is some garlic, couple onions, peppers, some herbs maybe even a lemon peel or two to take ya dish to the next level. In reality that this what seasonings really are. Dehydrated vegetables and herbs grounded up into a specific consistency. Take paprika for instance, (one of my favs) simply a red pepper dehydrated and grounded into a powder. My friend salt and pepper just elevates these flavors that you can get naturally without rummaging around in the spice cupboard. Now the real question is “what is my favorite aromatic?” That my friend is a difficult answer but, if I had to choose it comes down to my favorite top three.
1. Garlic
2.The lovely Holy Trinity consisting of celery, pepper & onions and
3. The classical Mire pox made up of carrots, onion and celery.
Do you see the connection? Listen when I tell you! Sautéed onions, peppers and garlic will take ANY dish to the next level. Sprinkle a little and salt & pepper and BOOM!
Sign me up for Top Chef Baby because were winning.
Bottom:
Dirty Rice Recipe
Using the Holy Trinity
INGREDIENTS
1 pound lean ground beef Salt
1 medium onion diced Pepper
1 green pepper diced 1 ½ cups white rice uncooked
1 cup celery diced 3 ½ cups broth
3 cloves garlic minced Chopped green onion or parsley for garnish
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
Brown ground beef in pan over medium heat. Crumble until no pink remains. Add onion, garlic, green pepper, celery, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Stir until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add rice and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered about 20 to 23 minutes or until rice is cooked.
Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.
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