There isn’t any higher and simpler reward than a very nice condiment. It doesn’t matter how choosy an individual is, or how particular their tastes are, or how properly (or little) you realize them, a top quality condiment is a meal-upgrading addition to anybody’s kitchen — even when they don’t prepare dinner. (Let’s be trustworthy, all takeout tastes higher with a bit of chile crisp or a swipe of chutney.) Condiments are literally preferrred for each gifting state of affairs: They’re the last word host reward, when you want to deliver one thing with you to a celebration; they’re additionally glorious stocking stuffers; and the right current for everybody in your listing that you just really feel obligated to purchase one thing for, however don’t need to spend an excessive amount of.
We’re fortunate to stay on this golden period of condiments the place now we have choices past a boring jar of mayo or a $4 squeeze bottle of ketchup. Thanks largely partly to international cultures, the condiment choice has actually diversified through the years and the choices for flavor-packed condiments in well-designed (and sometimes whimsical) packaging has solely exponentially elevated. Listed below are our seven favourite candy, savory, and spicy threads for guaranteed-to-spark-joy gifting.
A pistachio unfold that’s very good straight from the jar
It appears like everyone seems to be speaking about pistachio spreads this yr, due to it being a vital ingredient in Dubai chocolate. However having a jar available, even when you have no plans to make the viral dessert, is a good suggestion. There are lots of advantages: Not solely is the wealthy and splendid unfold scrumptious straight from the jar, but it surely’s additionally divine stirred right into a latte for a pleasant nutty taste, or unfold on fluffy toast for a candy deal with. Whereas there are a number of glorious pistachio spreads available on the market, this one stands out due to its tiny (learn: not filled with junk) ingredient listing, and it actually manages to pack within the pistachio taste with out being too salty or too candy.
Gochujang that you just’ll need to use daily
They are saying you shouldn’t decide a e-book by its cowl, however I believe it’s okay to evaluate a sauce by its packaging. Given its field’s lovely matte design and that the sauce is saved in a clear minimalist jar, the gochujang from Potluck is without doubt one of the finest condiments of all time in aesthetics in addition to taste. The vegan Korean chile pepper paste is extremely flavorful and deeply savory due to notes of sesame oil, perilla seeds, and garlic. Attempt it as a marinade for meat or greens, or add a dollop for a very nice light warmth in any rice bowl. It additionally makes for a killer sandwich unfold when minimize with mayo. Whoever you reward this to will likely be considering of you a number of instances every week, as a result of that’s how typically they’ll seemingly attain for the jar.
A chutney that does double obligation as candy and savory
Tamarind chutney manages to hit all one of the best taste notes — tangy, spicy, and candy — . Brooklyn Delhi is finest recognized for its line of aachars, or savory Indian pickles, however their tamarind date chutney is likely to be their finest condiment but. Historically, the chutney is used as a dip for dishes like samosas and pakoras, however additionally it is simply as at residence on an epic cheese and charcuterie board, or drizzled over some vanilla ice cream for a stunning twist on a sundae. My favourite use? As a fast base for a tamarind margarita — simply add tequila and lime juice.
Spicy oil in a display-worthy can
This oil is value gifting for the charming container alone. The spicy oil, made with simply olive oil and serrano peppers, is packaged in what appears like a retro-cool oil canister, able to drizzle and add warmth to slices of pizza, a bowl of pasta, or greens earlier than roasting them off within the oven — and it saves you from having to really chop peppers. Plus, it’s made in small batches in Los Angeles.
Chile crisp with a garlicky punch
There are one million chile crisps available on the market, however what units Mama Teav’s aside is its concentrate on garlic. The chile crisp is jam filled with crunchy items of garlic that add deep fragrant, umami taste. Whereas this versatile condiment does add a pleasant quantity of warmth to no matter dishes you add it to, it additionally packs a critical garlicky punch, which really transforms any dish from bland and blah to extremely thrilling. That is the right reward for both the garlic head in your life or somebody who has a strong assortment of scorching sauces and chile crisps however may use one thing stunning and really scrumptious.
A shocking rice vinegar set
I first got here throughout these lovely rice vinegars when searching the web site of Yun Hai, this unimaginable impartial retailer devoted to the foodways and merchandise of Taiwan. This bundle consists of two forms of rice vinegar — a seasoned rice vinegar and a black vinegar — in architectural bottles. Wu Yin, the makers of the vinegar, have been in enterprise since 1903 and are one of many longest-operating vinegar-makers in Taiwan. Whereas the vinegars can be utilized for a lot of various things, they’re magical when mixed, particularly with a little bit of chile oil to create a dumpling dipping sauce.
Yuzu kosho is the Japanese scorching sauce with a zesty edge
This Japanese scorching sauce is one of the best current for anybody who likes zest (and distinctive Japanese flavors) with their warmth. Yuzu Co makes a very invigorating model of yuzu kosho, with simply three easy components: younger inexperienced yuzu, inexperienced chile pepper, and Japanese sea salt. Extra a paste than a sauce, it must be refrigerated as soon as opened to protect its puckery warmth. It’s particularly helpful for folding into salad dressings and sauces, however can be mouthwatering simply dabbed on meats, fish, and eggs.
