Have you ever prepared a dish and then found yourself struggling to make it pretty? Well, that is me every single time I make anything in the kitchen. I have a difficult time garnishing my dishes and elevating them to look like a feast! In this blog post, I will share 5 simple ingredients that are most definitely already lying around in your kitchen cabinet to elevate any dish you make. I mean, if your food tastes great, why not make sure it looks great as well?
1. Greens
This category includes everything from fresh mint leaves to dill to parsley or even fresh coriander. Honestly, a pop of green instantly transforms almost every dish. This works for both desserts and savory dishes. Mint is my personal favorite, followed closely by coriander and parsley.
I would go as far as to also include scallions and green chilies in this category as well. Basically, if it is green and works with the flavor profile of your dish, please add some!
2. Seeds
Again, I’m using this vast category to list sesame, fennel, basil, poppy, pumpkin, and even pomegranate seeds. You see how some of these even qualify as fruits and nuts? That is the beauty of it. I found that not restricting myself too much helps to elevate any dish far more easily.
3. Sauces
Whether it is caramel, chocolate, or chili sauce, a nice drizzle or swirl of your favorite sauce can make a dish pop beautifully. You can elevate a dish with nothing more than a sauce bottle that you probably already have in your fridge or pantry. While homemade sauces obviously take the lead, a store-bought sauce can actually save the day if you are in a rush. Plus, it takes no time at all.
4. Herbs
We have already talked about using fresh greens to elevate any dish. Now, we will move onto herbs – mostly dry ones. Dried mint, thyme, oregano, rosemary; a sprinkle of these herbs with not only add incredible flavors to your dish, but they will also work wonders with presentation. It’s the little things that truly matter!
5. Powders
From confectioner’s sugar to cocoa powder or a dash of turmeric or cinnamon, powders are another great element to add to your dishes for that extra oomph! There are bound to be a variety of different ground spices and powdered ingredients in any and every pantry. A simple dusting can go a long way!
It is important to pay attention to colors in addition to flavors. The greater the contrast between your garnishing ingredients and your dish’s main colors, the more it will pop. For instance, pomegranate seeds over a green salad or scallions over a curry can make a world of difference.
