What is sobrasada and where can you buy it?
Discover what sobrasada is, where to shop for it and how to cook with it using our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to sobrasada, including where to buy it and recipe inspiration, then learn more about veal, black pudding and harissa paste. What is sobrasada? Sobrasada is a soft, spreadable, chorizo-like sausage from Spain. It’s made by curing pork meat and fat with lots of paprika, salt and spices, and is available in either mild, medium or hot varieties. It’s an ingredient loved by chefs and restaurants, including Parrillan Borough Yards, José Pizarro and Nieves Barragán of Sabor. It’s often added to béchamel sauces for transforming into deep-fried croquetas, and brings a punch of flavour to paella or pasta dishes. But, it's equally delicious by itself or spread on toast, like in the recipe below. It’s available to buy online from Brindisa, Abel & Cole and other Spanish delis. Where to buy sobrasada Enebral sobrasada, £5.50/300g, Abel & Cole This authentic Spanish sobrasada comes from Iberian pigs that forage in Andalusia. It's organic and smoky, and has a touch of rosemary. Westcombe sobrasada, £7.95/150g, Pipers Farm Try this English take on sobrasada, ethically made using Tamworth pork. It has a subtle heat from smoked paprika. Sobrasada recipes Roast parsnip soup Our trends expert Gurdeep Loyal serves his comforting parsnip and paprika soup with sobrasada, a spreadable chorizo-like sausage from Spain.
Discover what Tajín is, where to shop for it and how to cook with it using our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to Tajín, including where to buy it and lots of recipe inspiration, then learn more about buttermilk, kefir and paneer. What is Tajín? Tajín is the brand name of an iconic Mexican fruit seasoning made with dried lime, ancho and pasilla chilli, sea salt, smoked paprika and oregano. It has a tangy, earthy, zesty flavour, with a mild chilli heat that’s perfect in marinades or over barbecued vegetables. It’s often sprinkled over sweet, ripe fruits such as pineapple, mango and watermelon, and goes well with grilled seafood, too. Tajín is loved by chefs at restaurants including Casa Pastor in London and Bonita Taqueria Y Rotisserie in San Francisco. Where to buy Tajín Tajín, £6/142g, Amazon Tajín, £3.32/142g, Sous Chef Tajín recipes Tajín cauliflower bites Tajín works so well on these moreish cauliflower bites alongside cooling soured cream. Tajín shrimp fajita salad Tajín is showcased in this fresh, vibrant salad that's great with a cold beer. Beetroot mezcalita Pickled brine is the secret ingredient in this vibrant beetroot mezcalita, perfect for kicking off the weekend. It wouldn't be complete with the salt rim, made by mixing Tajín with sugar. Pineapple mezcal margarita Combine the smoky notes of mezcal with the sweetness of pineapple juice – the citrus notes from the lime and the spicy Tajín rim balance the drink nicely.
What is truffle and where can you buy it?
Discover what truffle is, where to shop for it and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to truffle, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about haggis, black pudding and caviar. What is truffle? A truffle is the fruiting body (the sporocarp) of a subterranean fungus found nestled in the roots of trees. There are various species of truffle, the most sought-after being the black Périgord truffle, named after the French Périgord region. Edible truffles are highly prized for their culinary value, due to their strong, earthy aroma and taste. Truffles are usually served raw, shaved over foods such as pasta. Truffle oil can be used as a cheaper and more convenient alternative, although most oil is artificially flavoured using a synthetic agent. Where to buy truffle Italian black summer fresh truffle, £40/50g, olive shop Waitrose Cook's Ingredients truffle oil, £3.25/125ml, Waitrose Truffle Guy black truffle slices, £14.50/40g, Amazon Best truffle recipes Truffled spinach and ricotta ravioli Ever deep-fried ravioli? A few cheat's ingredients mean these impressive canapés are quick and easy to make. Truffled mushroom burgers We like to call these impressive veggie burgers 'MLT': M is for mushroom, L is for lettuce and T is for truffle oil. Truffled porcini arancini Need an impressive canapé? Try our crunchy arancini with truffled porcini mushrooms. These moreish, crispy, golden bundles are super-creamy and easy to make. Wild mushrooms, fried duck egg, brussels sprouts, walnut and truffle To impress at a dinner party, make this wild mushroom starter – complete with a fried duck egg and truffle shavings, it's sure to kick things off right. Truffle mushroom toast In this elegant brunch dish, mushrooms are fried in butter until golden, then laced with a whisper of truffle oil and topped with an oozing poached egg. Truffle pasta mafalde Showstopping pasta, such as wide-ribboned mafalde, plus colourful radicchio and quality pesto make this dish much more than the sum of its parts. Burrata al tartufo This impressive dinner party starter of oozing, milky burrata with mushroom and truffles takes just 15 minutes to prepare. We have Covent Garden’s Ave Mario to thank for the recipe. Vegan mushroom risotto Typically laden with butter and cheese, risotto is well known for its comforting and indulgent qualities. Here, we've invented a much lighter (and totally vegan) option. Beef wellington This is a classic beef wellington recipe. Use Aberdeen Angus beef if you can, as it has a lovely, buttery texture. The addition of truffle oil gives this dish a decadent twist. DIY sea bass with broad bean mash and truffle oil Head chef Matthew Harris’s fillet of sea bass with broad beans, truffle and linguine is a taste of summer during the warmer months.
What is sherry vinegar and where can you buy it?
Discover what sherry vinegar is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to sherry vinegar, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about balsamic vinegar, malt vinegar and wine vinegar. What is sherry vinegar? A sweeter more concentrated vinegar used widely in Spanish cooking. The style of sherry vinegar varies depending on the grape variety used to produce the wine it is made from. Good sherry vinegar is aged in wood and is labelled vinagre de Jerez – those also labelled reserva and gran reserva have been aged for longer. The most common grape in sherry is palomino but sherry vinegar can also be made from the sweeter pedro ximénez. Sherry vinegar will add an authentic tang to gazpacho or try drizzled over griddled peppers. Where to buy sherry vinegar Sainsbury's Spanish sherry vinegar, £3/375ml, Sainsbury's Belazu Reserva sherry vinegar, £6.30/250ml, Waitrose Sherry vinegar recipes Roasted beets with sherry vinegar and freekeh Check out our simple roasted beetroot with sherry vinegar and freekeh. This easy vegetarian recipe makes for an ideal midweek meal, plus it's low in calories, too. Grilled vegetable antipasti Kick off a classic Italian meal with these gorgeous grilled veggies. Serve with fresh focaccia, olives and cured meats for an impressive spread. Braised peas with jamón Need a quick and easy side dish for your next dinner party? This Spanish-style pea and serrano ham dish is lifted with a dash of sherry vinegar. Piquillo pepper salad Bring Spanish flavour to your entertaining with this easy recipe for a quick piquillo pepper salad. These sweet little chillies can be bought in jars and, with a little sherry vinegar and parsley, turned into a tapas dish. Steak with creamy peppercorn sauce The peppercorn adds a touch of indulgence to this quick and simple dish. It's a great idea for a speedy midweek meal. Plus, you'll be surprised how easy it is to make your own peppercorn sauce. Shallot tarte tatin Check out this shallot tarte tatin, a savoury twist on this classic recipe. This impressive looking dish makes for a great veggie main the whole family will love. Bloody mary This classic cocktail recipe combines vodka, tomato juice and worcestershire sauce with a few dashes of Tabasco to turn up the heat. Infusing the vodka overnight adds an extra layer of flavour. Salt-baked beetroot with macadamia and mulberry A new way to serve beetroot, this recipe makes the most of juicy mulberries (or blackberries) and a sharp sherry vinegar dressing. Salt cod-stuffed friggitelli peppers with sherry vinegar ketchup Check out this impressive grilled Italian pepper recipe stuffed with soft salt cod mash and served with homemade ketchup. This recipe comes from chef Jon Beeharry's seasonal restaurant in East London, Sapling. Grilled sardines with tomato salad Serve grilled sardines with a vibrant side salad of sweet heirloom tomatoes, crushed almonds and sherry vinegar.
What is soy sauce and where can you buy it?
Discover what soy sauce is, where to shop for it and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to soy sauce, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about kimchi, kecap manis and kombucha. What is soy sauce? Originating from China, soy sauce is a liquid condiment which contains a strong umami taste. The good stuff is brewed and the cheaper sauce is chemically produced. The brewed version is made with soy beans, salt, water and a grain, usually wheat, plus a fungus which helps the beans ferment. The liquid is then aged so it passes through various stages of fermentation and is finally filtered to make raw soy sauce. Raw soy sauce is generally pasteurised but it can also be bought 'nama' (raw). Recipes often call for soy sauce to add a hit of saltiness and umami but soy sauces vary hugely in flavour, so it pays to know what the brands you actually like the taste of, and when to use them. Different types of soy sauce Shoyu/Japanese soy sauce Shoyu, Japanese soy sauce, tends to be clearer and thinner than Chinese and other Asian varieties. Kikkoman is the most well-known brand. All-purpose soy sauce All-purpose is darker than light soy, which actually has a saltier, sweeter flavour, though less colour. Use both for dipping and in recipes, depending on whether you are after colour (all-purpose) or saltiness (light). Chinese soy sauce Chinese soy sauce splits into light and dark categories: lighter soy has a more assertive flavour while dark has more colour and is thicker. If in doubt use light, although many recipes call for some of each to balance both colour and flavour. Tamari Tamari is a type of soy sauce originating from Japan. The main difference from other soy sauce is that it contains little to no gluten. It’s considered to be the ‘original’ Japanese soy sauce, since the recipe is closest to the soy sauce introduced to Japan from China. Tamari is fairly strong in flavour and can be used in both recipes and for dipping, often used for sashimi. Where to buy soy sauce Country Range dark soy sauce, £4.99/1ltr, olive shop Kikkoman soy sauce, £3/150ml, Ocado Cooks' Ingredients tamari, £3/150ml, Waitrose Soy sauce recipes Chicken fried rice Make this really speedy meal when time is of the essence. It's ideal for using up left-over rice and left-over chicken, too. Pineapple fried rice Golden Mountain is a popular soy sauce in Thailand, with a slightly deeper and sweeter flavour. But you can also use dark soy sauce with Maggi Liquid Seasoning. Silken tofu Enjoy this creamy silken tofu as a side or starter to an Asian-themed feast. Smother in soy sauce, gochujang and sesame seeds to soak up the flavour. Soy sauce chow mein Ready in 20 minutes and low in calories, this midweek chow mein calls for noodles, bean sprouts and a simple soy sauce dressing. Serve topped with a fried egg. Soy-glazed pork chops Try these quick and easy pork chops with a sticky and sweet soy glaze. The dish is low in calories and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Soy steamed sea bream with ginger and spring onions Give your sea bream a fragrant lift with fresh ginger, soy sauce, red chilli and spring onions. This recipe is best made in a steamer but is still easy to cook without one. Thai braised pork Muu hong is a slow-cooked recipe from Phuket, Thailand. This rich, fragrant braise features soy sauce and spices such as pepper, star anise and cassia. The pork should be so tender you can cut it with a spoon. Chinese lettuce with ginger soy sauce Blanch Romaine lettuce to intensify its sweetness and flavour before bathing it in a delicate soy dressing with sesame oil and ginger. Pak choi with garlic and soy sauce One of the best ways to serve baby pak choi – lightly boiled and drizzled with soy sauce and homemade garlic oil. Soy and butter braised mushrooms Pan fry mushrooms in butter with ginger, chilli and soy for a quick and easy vegetarian meal.
What is saffron and where can you buy it?
Discover what saffron is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to saffron, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about turmeric, harissa and curry leaves. What is saffron? Saffron is the stigma (part of the reproductive system of a flower) from the crocus. Hand-harvested, it comes in strands and is the most expensive spice by weight. Saffron imparts a vivid golden colour to food and its unique flavour is prized across Eastern Asia, Persia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Where to buy saffron Carmencita saffron, £6.99/0.37g, olive shop East End Saffron, £2.75/1g, Tesco D.O. La Mancha Spanish Saffron, £13.99/1g, Amazon Saffron recipes Check out plenty more saffron recipe inspiration. Saffron risotto This soothing risotto is delicious on its own, or served with a roast chicken and the roasting juices from the tin. An impressive entertaining idea, if you've got friends round for dinner. Crumbed asparagus with saffron yogurt Here, asparagus is crumbed to add a wonderful texture. The saffron yogurt is a simple version of an aïoli but Middle Eastern style. Preserved lemon poussin with tabbouleh and saffron yogurt Check out this poussin recipe with preserved lemons. This easy dish makes a great alternative to any weekend roast recipe. Serve with freshly chopped tabbouleh and smooth saffron yogurt. Crab and saffron pasta Feeling fancy? Impress with this sophisticated linguine dish, flecked with fresh crabmeat, red chilli, lemon zest and saffron. Shrimp and saffron butter orecchiette A sophisticated Italian-style dinner, this saffron-spiked pasta dish pairs orecchiette with buttery brown shrimps, red chilli and garlic.
What is samphire and where can you buy it?
Discover what samphire is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to samphire, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about what is lemongrass, black garlic and sloe berries. What is samphire? Samphire is a fleshy green plant that grows along British coastlines and has a salty taste. Early shoots can be eaten raw for a briny kick, otherwise, it’s often blanched then tossed through salads or served as a side, dressed in butter. When is samphire in season? UK samphire season is a short one that starts in July and ends in August. Where to buy samphire Fresh samphire from the UK is seasonally available in supermarkets (and sometimes may come from abroad), but jarred samphire is available year round. Tesco Samphire (fresh), £2.10/115g, Tesco Sainsbury's Samphire (fresh), £1.60/90g, Sainsbury's Greek Rock Samphire in Brine (jarred), £7.60/380g, olive shop This rock samphire has been preserved in a light brine so can be kept in the cupboard and used all year round in salads, frittatas or pasta dishes. Samphire recipes Check out plenty more samphire recipe inspiration here. Samphire with beurre blanc This vibrant veggie dish oozing with buttery zing makes a satisfyingly crisp side to a spring roast or other meat-heavy meals. Jersey Royals, spring greens and prawn fritteda A fritteda is a light Italian stew of spring vegetables. Our version uses Jersey Royals, spring greens and prawns for a quick and easy supper. Spaghetti alle vongole with samphire Spaghetti alle vongole makes a classic Italian supper. The clams are cooked in dry white wine, which combined with the natural clam juice and samphire make a lovely rich sauce for the pasta. Samphire with browned butter This vibrant veggie dish is zingy and buttery, makes a satisfyingly side to a spring roast or other meaty meals. Linguine with samphire and prawns This easy dish is made with linguine and pairs the sea vegetable samphire with king prawns in a super-quick pasta sauce.
What is sauerkraut and where can you buy it?
Discover what sauerkraut is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
What is sauerkraut? Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage. The cabbage is thinly sliced and salted, and then left to produce lactic acid. It’s this that preserves the cabbage and gives it its signature sour flavour. Sauerkraut is popular in Germany and other central European countries and is thought to be good for the gut, thanks to its natural probiotics. Where to buy sauerkraut Dawtona Sauerkraut, £1.39/900g, Tesco Loving Foods Organic Sauerkraut, £8.49/500g, Amazon Sauerkraut recipes Crispy spud salad with sauerkraut, ham hock and peas Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) is not only healthy and good for your gut but its distinct flavour lifts this simple salad with super crisp potatoes and salty ham.
What is seitan and where can you buy it?
Discover what seitan is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
What is seitan? Originating from ancient China, seitan, also known as vital wheat gluten, is a meat alternative made from wheat. It has a firm texture with a 'meaty' bounce and mild flavour. It’s easy to make from scratch at home and can also be bought in vac-packed blocks or in jars. It can be cooked in lots of different ways – fried, grilled or added to stews or curries, for instance. Where to buy seitan Buy Whole Foods Online Seitan Flour, £1.89/500g, Amazon Biona Organic Seitan Pieces, £14.37/350g, Amazon Seitan recipes Homemade seitan Learn how to make your own seitan for a fantastic vegan meat alternative, made using vital wheat gluten. Quick to make, it can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries and curries. Shiitake seitan burger with kimchi mayo Don’t be daunted by the long ingredient list or the prep time for this vegan burger: it’s actually a super simple process and the results are delicious – this recipe uses added chunky shiitake mushrooms to replicate the texture of mince and to give an umami boost.
What are sloe berries and where can you buy them?
Discover what sloe berries are, where to shop for them, and how to use them in our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to sloe berries, including where to buy them and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about what are goji berries, edible flowers and preserved lemons. What are sloe berries? These blue-black berries are bitter when eaten raw but with a little sugar and time, their tartness is transformed. They’re often used to infuse gin but also make excellent jellies, sauces and fruit cheese that go beautifully with game or strong cheeses such as stilton. When are sloe berries in season? Sloe berries (blackthorn) can be picked from English hedgerows from October to December, or you can buy them dried online. Where to buy sloe berries VinClass Dried Sloes, £10.95/500g, Amazon Dried sloe berries can be used as an alternative to fresh when making sloe gin when fresh are not in season, or for garnishing cocktails. Fresh sloe berries, £9.99/450g, sloeberries.com Fresh sloe berries can be preordered ahead of the summer season, or bought during the season once fresh berries are available. Sloe berry recipes Sloe gin Make the most of sloe season with this classic and easy-to-make liqueur. Enjoy this fruity alcoholic drink over the festive season or give it away as a gift. Sloe gin fizz A festive twist on a classic gin fizz, you can use shop-bought sloe gin or find our recipe for an easy DIY version. Sloe sazerac A seriously punchy whisky cocktail perfect for slow sipping during the winter months. 10 of the best sloe gins Our mission: to find the best sloe gin available in the UK. Here are the results of our expert taste test and our recipe for how to make sloe gin.
What is tahini and where can you buy it?
Discover what tahini is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
What is tahini? Tahini is made by grinding the toasted hulls of sesame seeds into a paste and is a major ingredient in hummus, halva and baba ghanoush. Its nutty flavour is synonymous with Middle Eastern, North African and Eastern Mediterranean cuisines and lends itself well to both sweet and savoury dishes. Where to buy tahini Cypressa Tahini, £3.50/300g, Waitrose Belazu Tahini, £11.35/1kg, Amazon Tahini recipes Chocolate and tahini cookies Jazz up your cookie repertoire and bake these chocolate and tahini cookies. Our irresistible version of the classic American Oreo biscuit teams crisp, dark cookies with a creamy tahini buttercream – one will never be enough. Chickpea and vegetable koftes with tahini yogurt sauce These low-calorie koftes are served with a nutty tahini yogurt sauce and come in under 415 calories per serving. Cauliflower shawarma, pomegranate, tahini and pine nuts This recipe for cauliflower shawarma comes from Berber and Q in East London. Serving cauliflower whole like this, fresh from the BBQ is inspired, particularly, when it's smothered in shawarma butter. Serve this by itself, or as a side dish.
What is tempeh and where can you buy it?
Discover what tempeh is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to tempeh, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about aquafaba, nutritional yeast and jackfruit. What is tempeh? Originating in Indonesia, tempeh is made from cooked, fermented and pressed soy beans, which create its unique and umami-packed flavour. The beans are formed into a block and sold vac-packed or in jars. Tempeh is used in similar ways to tofu, and is a good protein source for vegans and vegetarians. Where to buy tempeh The Tofoo Co. tempeh, £2.85/200g, Waitrose This natural tempeh can be used in plenty of different dishes – check out our best recipes below. Biona Organic Tempeh, £6.26/400g, Amazon Pick up a jar of organic tempeh from familiar brand Biona. Impulse Original Tempeh, £18/5 x 200g, olive shop If you get through tempeh regularly, stock up with this five-pack you can keep in your storecupboard. Tempeh recipes Vegan bacon Slice into thin strips and marinate in soy sauce, maple syrup and liquid smoke for a delicious vegan bacon alternative. Umeboshi tempeh and pineapple kebabs Delicious chunks of marinated tempeh work brilliantly with juicy pineapple in this easy alternative to the traditional BBQ skewer.
Discover what tofu is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
What is tofu? Tofu, also known as bean curd, is made from curdling fresh soya milk, which is then pressed into a solid block in a process that’s similar to cheesemaking. It originates in China, but is popular across Asia. Mildly flavoured, tofu has grown in popularity as a meat substitute all over the world in recent decades and is most commonly seen in two forms: firm and silken. The latter is very soft and silky while the former is firm and bouncy. Where to buy tofu Cauldron Foods Tofu, £2/396g, Tesco Blue Dragon Extra Firm Silken Tofu, £7.86/349g x 3, Amazon Tofu recipes Stir-fried tofu noodles Try our easy veggie stir-fry with crispy tofu and crunchy broccoli. This simple recipe is packed with plenty of flavour, plus it's high in protein too. Crunchy veg and smoked tofu salad with sesame dressing Try our vibrant salad recipe with crispy golden tofu and crunchy vegetables. This easy dish is vegan-friendly and low in calories. Strawberry and banana vegan smoothie Make our quick and easy vegan smoothie with fresh strawberries, bananas and tofu – ready in 5 minutes. Using silken tofu may sound strange for a sweet recipe but will give a creamy texture to the smoothie.
What is turmeric and where can you buy it?
Discover what turmeric is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
What is turmeric? Turmeric is a vibrant yellow root from the ginger family. It can be bought fresh or dried and ground as a powder and is used all over Asia and beyond in savoury and sweet recipes. It’s an especially popular spice in curries and imparts its bright golden hue to food. Turmeric is famed for its anti-inflammatory properties and health-promoting potential. Where to buy turmeric Wholegood Organic Peruvian Turmeric, £2.39/90g, Ocado Fresh Turmeric Roots, £2.97/100g, Amazon Turmeric recipes Turmeric-fried veggie rice Try our vibrant turmeric-fried rice. This colourful recipe is packed with punchy flavour and is super simple to make. Plus, it comes in under 300 calories per serving. Turmeric pickled eggs Spice up your eggs with this easy pickling recipe using turmeric to add an extra kick of flavour to your lunch or dinner. Vietnamese turmeric and dill fish with rice noodles Sunshine yellow deliciousness with a hit of chilli and herbs, this unusual Vietnamese dish is popular in Hanoi. Make your own version for dinner tonight.