Tzatziki originates from Greek cuisine, but it has long been a Mediterranean staple more broadly. It offers a cooling contrast to bold, savory dishes, such as chicken souvlaki and Mujadarra. This version swaps cucumbers for my fermented dill pickles (my full recipe and fermentation guidance are here), adding a tangy, […]
Condiments
How to Make All-Natural Duck Sauce
This homemade duck sauce is a celebration of all-natural ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives. Made with real apricot jam, fresh ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Instructions for making a hot (spicy) version are also included. Unlike store-bought […]
How to Make Fermented Crudité and Homemade Ranch Dressing
Discover a truly unique and delectable snack with this probiotic fermented crudités paired with a creamy kefir ranch dip! Don’t worry if kefir isn’t your thing; you can always use the more traditional buttermilk option, easily found at a supermarket. Crudités, from the French word “cru” meaning “raw,” are typically […]
How to Make Alabama White Sauce (White Barbecue Sauce)
Are you craving a new sauce for your barbecues? Something tangy, bold, and satisfying yet off the beaten sticky sweet tomato-based path? Not to disparage those, they’re great too, but this mayo and apple cider vinegar – based sauce (also called “white barbecue sauce”) is a super easy way to […]
How to Make Fermented Giardiniera
Giardiniera is a medley of vinegar-pickled vegetables, a vibrant staple in Italian cuisine often enjoyed as an antipasto. It pairs beautifully with cheese and cured meats or adds a burst of flavor to salads. Chicago-style giardiniera, known for its hot, spicy kick and generous use of olive or vegetable oil, […]
How to Make Fermented Chow-Chow
I’ve qualified this as “fermented” chow-chow because the classic version is typically vinegar-pickled, but I wanted to offer a twist that deepens the flavors with the magic of fermentation. Chow-chow is a condiment with countless variations across the United States, and in the South, it’s known for its sweet, tangy […]
How to Make Your Own Shio Koji and Unleash the Umami
Shio Koji is a very simple, traditional Japanese seasoning made from a mix of rice koji, sea salt, and warm water. Koji, a type of mold used in fermentation, is responsible for breaking down proteins and starches into flavorful amino acids and sugars. This creates a savory depth known as […]
Easy Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese (Much Better Than Store-Bought)
There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of creamy, whipped cream cheese and the rich, smoky flavor of salmon. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought smoked salmon, this simple yet delicious spread is perfect for bagels, bagel chips and other crackers, and more. This smoked salmon cream cheese spread is […]
Coriander Chutney
Coriander chutney is a vibrant and flavorful condiment, perfect for adding a fresh, herby kick to various dishes. This versatile chutney combines fresh coriander leaves with aromatic spices. It’s perfect on the Fermented Dhokla (in the Insane in the Brine cookbook) but it’s also a standard accompaniment for a wide […]
Punchy Smoked Fish Dip with Pickle Relish
I recently posted about my awesome delivery from Fulton Fish Market, including my recipe for caraway-dill smoked trout. I have other smoked fish recipes on this blog, including whitefish I once ordered from Fulton, and it was absolutely stellar. If you check Fulton Fish Market out, use the special code […]