When planning and cooking meals, there are lots of ways to add flavor and make meals that look and taste good. Here at Food Hero, we have a variety of recipes and tips that can be used to create tasty meals you and your family will enjoy. Try one of these ideas to see what works best for you!
Herbs and spices
Herbs and spices are a fantastic way to add flavor to your meals. They boost flavor without adding sugar or salt. Herbs can often be purchased fresh or dry. Fresh herbs should resemble their natural color and not be wilted or yellow. Dry herbs can last longer than their best by date but may lose their flavor over time. For more information, check out our Food Hero Monthly on Herbs and Spices.
Seasoning mixes
Food Hero has created several seasoning mixes. These mixes have been carefully crafted for flavor. Not only are these spice mixes delicious, but they are more cost effective to make at home instead of buying at the store. The recipes include common household spices and are a simple way to pack on a lot of flavor. Here are a few to try:
- Creole Seasoning: Add savory flavor and a little heat to vegetables, grains, meats, seafood, poultry, soups and stews!
- Harissa Spice Mix: This spice mix is great on meats and veggies, bringing a touch of heat.
- North African Spice Mix: This warm and fragrant spice blend is great as a rub for beef, lamb, chicken, fish or vegetables. Add it to soups and stews as a seasoning!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This seasoning is perfect for seasonal baked goods!
- Soulful Seasoning: This versatile seasoning adds flavor to tofu, soups, veggies and meats.
- Southern Seasoning: This spicy seasoning mix adds heat to a variety of meals such as soups, stews and vegetables or can be added as a dry rub to meat, chicken and fish.
- Taco Seasoning: Ready in 5 minutes, make your own seasoning for taco night or to add to chilis and burritos.
Roast your vegetables
Roasting causes changes in vegetables that enhance flavor and up the flavor profile in your meals. Try roasting ingredients you typically use, such as onions or garlic, to add flavor to meals. We added a few suggestions below!
Play with textures
Texture is a huge part of a meal. Combining different textures together can make food more enjoyable. Crunchy, soft, flaky, tender, juicy, crispy, chewy. There are so many ways we experience foods. Next time you put a meal together, think about the texture that each food or recipe will bring. For example, pair soft rice with crunchy vegetables and tender meats. Want to make your own crunch? Try Crunchy Chicken Nuggets or Crunchy Baked Kale Chips.
Choose creative colors
Not only does adding a variety of color make a meal look more appetizing - it’s usually more nutritious too! Adding a variety of colors can provide different nutrients. For example, pair green kale with brown rice and red kidney beans and serve fresh fruit on the side for a vibrant, balanced meal.
Add a splash of acidity
Adding acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon or lime juice can add a bright flavor to dishes. Some of our recipes feature marinades that include acids, such as Baked Tofu or our Red Wine Vinaigrette can be used as a marinade. Many recipes also include acids as an ingredient to give a brighter flavor such as Lemon Dill Brussel Sprouts or our Bell Pepper Salad that uses vinegar.
Experiment with sauces
Sauces are a fantastic way to add flavor, moisture and variety to your dishes. Here are a few to try:
- Banana Ginger Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is great in a variety of dishes. Try it with baked tofu or other meats.
- Peanut Sauce: Smooth and nutty, this sauce is used to add a savory flavor to meats, noodle dishes, grain bowls and stir-fry's. Try it with raw vegetables as well!
- Low-Fat Tartar Sauce: Fresh herbs and tangy mustard make this sauce perfect to serve with seafood.
- Mexican Adobo Sauce: Made with hot peppers, spices and vinegar, add this sauce to enchiladas, burritos, pasta, soups, beans or grains.
Kids may also be more likely to try new foods when served with a dip. Dips also can encourage kids to interact with their food more. Here are some dips that work great to serve with kids at the table.
- Ranch Dip: Tangy and flavorful, this dip is ready in 5 minutes. Try it with raw vegetables or Food Hero Baked Tortilla Chips.
- Quick No-Cook Pizza Sauce: This pizza sauce is packed with Italian flavors. Try dipping with bread or crackers for a delicious kick!
Try it out!
Give these techniques a try and discover your ways to enhance everyday meals. Let us know which methods you enjoy the most!
