Lift any dish with these food items you probably have in the pantry

<p>Ever cooked a dish that should have been delicious but when you came to tuck in, tasted a bit flat? Top chefs know the importance of adding different dimensions to dishes based on five main flavour profiles &ndash; sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami &ndash; and how to layer them in a dish. But you don&rsquo;t have to go to a restaurant to enjoy food of this quality. Below are some unexpected store cupboard heroes that can help give dishes real impact:<br> </p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><img alt class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/yeast_extract__square_GL?scl=1"></h2><h2>YEAST EXTRACT</h2><p>When added to casseroles and stews, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/marmite-yeast-extracts/asda-yeast-extract/424890">yeast extract</a> gives a hit of umami and saltiness. Spread a thin layer over chicken skin to heighten the savoury roast flavour, or add to cheese on toast to give delicious earthy tones.<br> </p><h2>BALSAMIC GLAZE</h2><p>Tangy <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/balsamic-vinegar/asda-balsamic-glaze/1000000417584">balsamic glaze</a> adds sweetness when drizzled on tomato salads and helps to balance the acidity. The glaze can also be used as the base for a sticky chicken marinade, or to help save an overly spicy pasta sauce.<br> </p><h2>WINE</h2><p>A splash of wine will balance rich sauces, gravies and stews and give them a hint of sourness. Also, use to deglaze the pan after cooking pan-fried chicken for a tasty sauce.<br> </p><h2>EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL</h2><p>The grassy notes of <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/olive-oil/asda-extra-virgin-olive-oil/56832918">extra virgin olive oil</a> make a great finishing touch to a dish. In salad dressings, it adds a hint of bitterness that complements the sourness of a lemon or a punchy mustard. Or use with tangy balsamic vinegar as a dip for crusty bread.<br> </p><h2>BUTTER</h2><p>The richness of <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/block-butter/asda-salted-butter/910000418944">butter</a> adds umami flavour to sweet, softened onions and carrots, making them a perfect base for many classic soups and casseroles.<br> </p><h2>now, try these three delicious recipes using more store cupboard stars:</h2><h2>Soy sauce</h2><p><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/soy-sauce-coconut-milk/asda-dark-soy-sauce/78959346">This Chinese condiment</a> is great for giving veggie dishes a ‘meaty&rsquo; flavour, and adds savoury umami to Eastern-style stir-fries and marinades. Try our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/sticky-soy-and-chilli-tofu-with-pickled-rainbow-veg">Sticky Soy and Chilli Tofu with Pickled Rainbow Veg</a>: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="square_taste_sensastion_1__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/square_taste_sensastion_1__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Coffee</h2><p>Most of us know <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/filter-cafetiere-coffee/asda-extra-special-colombian-fairtrade-ground-coffee/59511765">coffee</a> a little too well, but did you know it can be used like a ‘spice&rsquo; to intensify flavours, too? You could rub it on steak while cooking or use it in marinades. Or, add coffee to chocolate desserts to give a sweet and bitter sensation, similar to salt in caramel. Try our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/coffee-rubbed-steaks-and-matchstick-fries">Coffee-Rubbed Steaks with Matchstick Fries</a>:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="square_taste_sensation_2__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/square_taste_sensation_2__square_GL?scl=1"><br> </p><h2>Mayonnaise</h2><p>Mmm delicious luscious <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/mayonnaise/asda-real-mayonnaise/1000001204409?origin=/product/filter-cafetiere-coffee/asda-extra-special-colombian-fairtrade-ground-coffee/59511765">mayonnaise</a>... a sandwich staple and great with fries, yet it can also add a hit of umami to mashed potato which gives it a nice creamy texture, too. Or try in toasties and sauces to give a flavour boost. Try our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/sherry-roast-chicken-with-mayo-mash">Sherry Roast Chicken with Mayo Mash</a>:</p><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><img alt="pan-fried_bone-in_chicken_with_pan_jus_and_mayo_mash-1__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/pan-fried_bone-in_chicken_with_pan_jus_and_mayo_mash-1_GL?scl=1"></h2><p><em>Inspired by these flavour combinations? Find everything you need and more at <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/">Asda.com</a> or <a href="https://storelocator.asda.com/">pop into your local store</a>. </em></p>

Unexpected store cupboard heroes

By Asda Good Living,24th February 2020

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