Becoming a top-notch chef overnight is an impossible feat, but certain ingredients can take your cooking from average to extraordinary. Recently, a Reddit user, u/thighcandy, posed an interesting question: “What’s the most underutilized ingredient by home cooks that pro chefs use all the time?” The community’s responses were enlightening, and in this article, we’ll explore some of the most commonly mentioned ingredients. It’s important to note that if you plan on adding a new ingredient to your cooking repertoire, always check for any potential food allergies among your diners.
1. Pasta Water
“Can’t believe how underrated pasta water is! It’s surprising how few people use this secret weapon to their advantage. I learned from my Italian grandmother that adding salty, starchy pasta water to sauces can really take them to the next level. Trust me, it’s a game changer!”
—u/zzzap
2. Lemon Juice
“I swear by it to boost the flavor of any dish. While vinegar can be overpowering, lemon juice has the perfect level of acidity to enhance the taste of almost anything you’re cooking. It’s a game-changing ingredient that I highly recommend!”
—u/mons388
3. Fresh Herbs
“I cannot stress enough the importance of using fresh herbs in cooking. The contrast between fresh basil or curry leaves and the dried variety is like night and day. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for using fresh herbs!”
—u/DaNukes
4. Pickle Juice
“Believe it or not, pickle juice can be a game-changing ingredient in your cooking. Instead of using vinegar, try substituting it with pickle juice. I love using it in deviled eggs and all types of salads, such as tuna, potato, egg, and macaroni salad. It might sound strange, but it’s surprisingly tasty in mashed potatoes, too. Give it a try and thank me later!”
—u/Moppy6686
