Just Buy Something
Rules of thumb for the grocery aisle
When you’re looking to add lots of flavor while still keeping your ingredient list streamlined, sometimes the best solution is to simply open up a jar. These are some of our favorite ways to amp up your weeknight cooking, without creating more work for yourself.
Start strong with an already seasoned product
One of our favorite strategies for a no-brainer flavor boost is to buy an ingredient that’s already flavored. Sure, you could add your own herbs and spices to bread crumbs, but why not go for seasoned panko instead. Choose garlic hummus instead of plain and go all out with marinated feta. We even gravitate toward Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese as a way to add creaminess, herbs, and alliums from one package.
Check the label
When contemplating a jarred product, take a peek at what’s actually in it. Choose the product that has a relatively short ingredient list with things you recognize and that sound like food. If it’s filled with preservatives, stabilizers, and other unpronounceable additives, steer clear.
Take a no-rules approach
Get creative and use premade ingredients for more than just what their instructions say. Think about them as ingredients themselves. Used to tossing jarred pesto with pasta and calling it a day? Instead, thin it out and turn it into a dressing for a grilled bread salad. You can do more than dip your chips into tomatillo salsa - use it to add bright tanginess to a rich and hearty stew. Even put your own spin on instant ramen by keeping the noodles but ditching the seasoning packet.
