Gourmet Condiments

No gourmet cooking site worth its salt can overlook gourmet condiments. Not that there really are such things as gourmet vs. regular condiments, but even gourmet cooking benefits from the availability of condiments.

A condiment is simply another food added to a dish, usually in the form of a sauce, powder, or spread, to enhance or improve the overall flavor. They are typically spread with knives, sprinkled or squirted onto other foods.

Herbs, spices, vinegars and sauces are typical categories of condiments. More specific versions of these would include tartar sauce, wasabi, and remoulade. There are way too many to try to enumerate, so I'll just mention a few of the more common ones . . .

Fermented Black Bean Sauce

Black bean sauce is made from black soybeans that have been heavily salted, then fermented and slightly mashed. It is usually mixed with chile sauce, hosin or minced garlic.

Fish Sauce

Fish sauce has a very pungent, rotting odor and salty flavor. It is essential for most every sort of dish throughout Southeast Asia.

Ketchup

Ketchup, seldom thought of as exactly a gourmet condiment, is a bright red sauce with a tangy, sweet-sour flavor. It was created in America and now used worldwide. And it goes nicely with many gourmet dishes.

Prepared Mustard

Mustard is a mixture of crushed mustard seeds, vinegar or wine and salt or spices. It can be a smooth paste or chunky and flavored with herbs, onions, peppers and even citrus zest.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a dark brown liquid made from cooked soy beans, wheat and salt. It is essential in most Asian cuisines. Other soy-based products include tamari, fermented bean paste and teriyaki sauce.

The addition of a nice selection of appropriate gourmet condiments to your next table spread will be appreciated by all attending.

Kitchen Staples Herbs Spices Herb And Spice Blends Uses For Herbs And Spices Salt Nuts Oils Vinegars