thread: Your special Pantry ingredient?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    Brisbane
    598

    Your special Pantry ingredient?

    Today I made the most amazing slow cooker recipe using some garam masala curry powder I grabbed at the shops. I just picked it up in a hurry and I am totally in love with it and could use it to flavour loads of things.

    Now I want more amazing new ingredients for my pantry!
    What is one of your special pantry items you love and use a lot that is bit more unusual?

    I also need pantry food ideas that isn't the usual canned toms, soup,baked beans etc..to make some interesting meals.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Aug 2008
    Ouiinslano
    5,303

    Liquid smoke
    Porcini mushrooms
    Char siu sauce
    Massel ultra stock powder

    Dunno what else, really. I have a mega-pantry though. Can always make something outta not much.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Victoria
    561

    My favourite ingredients atm are cinnamon sticks, cardamon pods & massaman curry paste. All excellent for slow cooked curries (mild not hot - so perfect for all the family).

    Happy cooking!!

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jun 2009
    In a cottage in a wood
    760

    If you're loving the taste of the garam masala- make sure you also have tumeric and cumin

    I always have the above plus cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise

    In the fridge is sambal olek, ginger, garlic and lime.

    There's heaps more, but they're our staples.

  5. #5
    Administrator
    Add Rouge on Facebook

    Jun 2003
    Ubiquity
    9,922

    I make my own special seasoning. It's a home made version of "Lawry's Seasoning" which is an american seasoning. It contains: Sugar, Salt, Corn Flour, Paprika, Tumeric, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder. I love it because I know what's in it so no MSG. It is also AMAZING in mashed Potatoes, great as a seasoning for chicken drumsticks and will just add flavour to about anything.

    Other secret ingredients are Truffle Oil, Parmesan Rinds... come to think of it I have heaps LOL.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    1,431

    Lentils are my secret ingredient! I love mixing them into lots of stuff, especially mince dishes. I also made an amazing spicy bean soup this week, just out of the normal staples in the pantry - I have tins of all sorts of different beans in there all the time. They bulk up meat meals and are so healthy and tasty.

    Sesame oil is my other secret ingredient, so flexible, love it and can't be without it!

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    Brisbane
    598

    Oh they all sound great. I do love all the asian flavours, so now I have sesame oil, ketchup mannus, palm sugar added to my pantry.

    Rouge, That seasoning sounds delish!

    I have made up a huge batch of chilli jam/sauce too, its great to go in loads of things actually and also to have with dips n chips.
    I also brought some curry pastes and lots of coconut milk and lots of lentils and different soup mixes.

    Audax, what is Liquid smoke? Sounds intriguing !

    I have meal ideas coming out my ears now, ones that are a bit exciting!
    Thanks everyone!

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    8,986

    I love Masterfoods Aussie Bush spices atm. I put them in almost everything, they're so good in lamb stew.

  9. #9
    Registered User
    Follow Pandora On Twitter

    Jan 2005
    cowtown
    8,276

    Screaming seeds Marrakech magic

    Mmm maybe I should make Moroccan lamb tonight.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Oct 2005
    Cherry Tree Lane
    1,108

    Mine is verjuice, was dif to get but easier now _I get mine from a winerey. i use it in salad drssings, for basting and in place on vinegar or lemon juice. it is delish.

    Rouge darling, that seasoning sound great- will try to make some

    will also try massaman;

    loving this thread

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    In a Nice Safe Space
    1,002

    Mine is Fennel - both ground and whole seeds. Also fresh fennel always in the fridge. I've been on a fennel kick for about 2 years now and I never get tired of cooking with it.

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Nov 2010
    Perth, WA
    3,172

    Mine are rice noodles, fish sauce, palm sugar and kaffir lime leaves.

    Yes I love asian food.

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    in the ning nang nong
    12,163

    three!

    1. marjoram for pastas
    2. tarragon for scrambled eggs
    3. kaffir lime leaves for thai curries

    YUM!

  14. #14
    Registered User
    Add Sammiejane on Facebook

    Aug 2007
    Melbourne
    2,654

    Woster(shire) sauce... I use it in so many dishes to add to the flavor...
    This week I have used it in
    Potato and leek soup
    Chicken noodle soup
    Chicken pie
    Spaghetti Bol. Sauce
    I add it to so many things


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  15. #15
    Registered User

    Oct 2005
    Cherry Tree Lane
    1,108

    oh i love this thread-

    SJ- no idea that wos sauce could be used for so many things!! when growing up the only thing i remember was my dad putting it on a t-bone steak!!