How to Fix an Underseasoned Dish

Sometimes a soup or sauce just needs a little something. Stocking your pantry with a few basic ingredients allows you to add flavor to any dish that tastes flat. Try these strategies to spice things up.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Salt
• Assorted Flavorings
• Fresh Herbs Or Grated Cheese
• Lemon Juice Or Vinegar

1. Add salt to intensify all other flavors.
2. Add lemon juice or a tiny amount of vinegar to brighten the taste of a dish.
3. Stir in full-flavored ingredients, such as tomato paste, prepared pesto, anchovy paste, soy sauce, roasted garlic pure'e, cayenne pepper, mustard, grated ginger, wine, liqueur, balsamic vinegar or fruit juice. Layer two or three ingredients to create depth and complexity.
4. Reduce a sauce or soup by simmering it to concentrate its flavors.
5. Sprinkle finished dishes with fresh herbs or grated cheese.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with a small amount in a bowl before adjusting the flavors of the whole dish.