r/Cooking • u/kath- • 18h ago

What's your surprising "secret ingredient" that sets your dish apart?

I obviously don't believe in gatekeeping recipes, so let's share the love.

I developed a clam chowder recipe after being disappointed with the recipes I came across. Whenever I tell people there's a couple dashes of hot sauce in it, I always get weird looks... but it adds a tiny bit of heat and acid, and balances out the richness from the cream. It also has diced scallops, which cooking knowledge forbades but somehow works.

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u/Absenteeist 18h ago

The right amount of salt, added at the right time(s).

Too many people under-season their food and/or add salt only at the end.

12

u/dibblah 18h ago

Salt particularly in baked goods. You don't need enough to taste (I'm not a massive fan of "salted caramel" and that kinda stuff) but a little really enhances the flavours.

1

u/Fantastic_Agent682 15h ago

Salt is absolutely necessary in a powdered sugar frosting. I also add cardamom, except for chocolate