We’re Not Drooling, You Are

Believe it or not, you’re a condiment connoisseur if you can’t have food without mayonnaise or other tangy sauces and dips. We have a feeling you’ll agree with us on this, but condiments just make our food taste so much better by enhancing the flavor to the fullest. Now, many tend to get confused, but there are various types of condiments, not just dressings, sauces, and dips but different pickles and preserves or herbs also come under this category.

While some are added after cooking, others need to be added during cooking or before serving. Coming onto our theme for this month, since we’re celebrating our 15th-anniversary edition, we have brought to you 15 absolutely delicious mixed condiments from around the world that you might not know of. These condiments are famous in their region but have the power to rule worldwide. Without any further ado, let’s dive in and find a fresh condiment that will be accompanying your fries from now onwards!

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Creole Mustard

From the southeastern United States, specifically New Orleans, Creole Mustard is whole grain mustard and can be used in sauces, dressings, and dips for everything from vegetables to salads to pretzels and chips. Made using whole brown and black mustard seeds, is a must-try for those who love tanginess.

Fact: The word Condiments derives from the Latin word “condimentum”, which means “spice, sauce, seasoning” and “condire” means “season, preserve, pickle.”

Harissa

Maybe, we are into spicy sauces this month. This is yet another peppery paste originating from Tunisia. This condiment is majorly used in sandwiches or meat such as beef, poultry, lamb, and goat, but can also be added to soups and stews. Roasted red peppers & other ingredients include olive oil and spices and herbs such as cumin, coriander, caraway, and garlic.

Pesto

We were all drooling over this sauce during the lockdown. Originating from Genoa, the capital city of Liguria, Italy is a healthy sauce with a garlicky taste. It is famous for pasta but can be used as dips, with mashed potatoes, eggs, and even as a spread on bread.

Tartar Sauce

Served with sea-food treats, Tartar sauce originated in France and is served cold in many countries. A condiment made of mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and herbs such as tarragon and dill has a semi-sweet, semi-savory flavor profile. This sauce is a good friend of Fish and oysters.

Baba Ghanoush

Had to include this dipping sauce with a creamy, silky food with an irresistibly nutty taste. This Levantine appetizer is considered a fantastic condiment to add flavor. Made with mashed cooked eggplants, olive oil, seasonings, and lemon juice can be served with Pita.

Gremolata

This condiment is used as a final seasoning or to garnish numerous dishes. Originated in Italy, is considered a classic topping made with finely chopping flat-leaf parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. The gremolata adds a balance of citrusy & zesty. For best results try this with fish, stews, and soups.

Mentsuyu

Another flavourful Japanese sauce best complements the base for udon and soba noodles is another classic that can be used as a seasoning and condiment. Made with high-end ingredients such as soy sauce, strong sake wine, and the slightly sweeter mirin, combined with dry skipjack tuna flakes is found in many Japanese dishes.

Hollandaise sauce

With so many different ways to make it, its taste can vary from tangier to sweeter, but the buttery creamy sauce is something you need to try right away. Hollandaise sauce is a mixture of egg yolk, melted butter, and lemon juice. Popular in New Zealand is often served on vegetables such as steamed asparagus.

Sriracha

Created in Si Racha, an eastern coastal town in Thailand, Sriracha is sweeter than spicy and compliments seafood. It tastes phenomenal when used as a dip for meat on the side. The garlicky taste towards the end will have your heart.

Mushroom Ketchup

You’re shocked too? But mushroom ketchup is the first type that people created with mushrooms instead of tomatoes. It has a similar taste to that of the ultimate Worcestershire sauce and therefore is salty and tangy. It originated in the UK and is quite difficult to find these days.

Algarrobina

Finally syrup is on the list. Algarrobina is a thick syrup extracted from the black carob tree native to Peru. This one is on the healthy side and can be added to smoothies, cocktails, and even milk.

The flavor is kind of sweet, but with a bit of a tannic edge. Start adding this syrup to strengthen the nervous system!

Caesar dressing

The quintessential Caesar dressing had to be a part of our list. With simple ingredients like anchovies, egg yolk, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce it can be prepared in minutes. Its rich lemony taste makes it a delicious and most loved salad dressing!

Chimichurri

Originating in Argentina, its uses differ from country to country. While in some it’s a pizza topping, this uncooked sauce can also be used as a condiment. The main components in Chimichurri are olive oil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, pepper flake, and oregano. Pair it with fish or poultry for a scrumptious taste.

Chutney

Indian condiments can surprise you. Chutney for example is made using fresh fruits and vegetables, with spices, sugar, or others. Similar to relish or jams, Indian cuisine has an array of chutneys to offer. Some chutney styles are cooked; some are served raw. Be it for breakfast as a spread or with side dishes, this Indian Condiment tastes delicious!

Malt vinegar

Saving the best for last. This one is the most flavourful vinegar compared to others. It has a light brown color with a sweeter and less acidic flavor. It's famous in Canada and the UK and people often enjoy this condiment with French fries, fish, and chips. You should give this grain-based vinegar made from malt a try!

From the December 2022 issue of FHM India.