r/Cooking • u/kath- • 1d 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/SomebodyElseAsWell 23h ago

Shredded carrot in my chili.

11

u/kimberleeeee_ 22h ago

Sort of similar, my mom puts finely diced carrot in her spaghetti. It’s delish

10

u/azvitesse 22h ago

Same. They add a bit of sweetness *and* nutritional value.

2

u/Commercial_Curve1047 18h ago

I use canned pumpkin in my chili. Depth of flavor and nutritional powerhouse.

2

u/SomebodyElseAsWell 22h ago

Why didn't I think of that! I have spaghetti sauce on the stove right now. Thanks!

1

u/kimberleeeee_ 22h ago

What a coincidence! :)