Hi Reader,

Have you ever made a recipe, taken a bite, and thought, Hmm. It's not bad?

Before deciding I'm disappointed, I like to ask myself: What does this need?

Because it's true, we all have different taste buds and preferences. What's perfectly seasoned to one person might taste bland to another. One person might want more acidity, while another wants more salt or spice.

Sometimes, a recipe doesn't need to be scrapped... it just needs a little adjustment!

👉 Here are a few things to try the next time a dish isn't quite hitting the mark:

1. If it tastes flat...​
Try a squeeze of lemon or lime, a splash of vinegar, or something pickled. Acid can really wake up the flavors in a dish. A little brine works well, too! That's why I love using it in my Pepperoncini Salad Dressing.

​Quick Pickled Veggies​ Ridiculously easy to make and versatile. Get the recipe

2. If the dish tastes bland...​
It might simply need more salt. Or depending on the recipe, soy sauce, tamari, or miso paste might be better. Add a little at a time, and taste as you go.

​Miso Sauce​ Go beyond a pinch of salt with something like this easy 5-minute sauce and dressing. Get the recipe

3. If it needs more depth...​
Think umami. Nutritional yeast, miso, soy sauce, mushrooms (fresh or dried), tomato paste, and toasted nuts can all add that savory quality that makes a dish taste more complex and satisfying. My chili recipes are good examples of how a few umami-rich ingredients can be a real game-changer.

​Best Vegan Chili​ Vegetarian chili is often nothing more than a thin, tomato-y, bean & vegetable soup with some spices thrown in. Talk about a missed opportunity! 🥺 Get the recipe

4. If it needs a little more personality...​
This is where I reach for black pepper, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds (try these tamari pumpkin seeds). A little contrast can go a long way.

​Cheesy "Beef" & Cauliflower Skillet​ This recipe is a great example of how adding a spicy pickled element (the jalapenos) can make a dish more exciting. Get the recipe

5. If it tastes too rich...​
This one's probably the least common when you don't cook with animal products, but it can still happen!

Bring in some brightness with lemon juice, fresh herbs, or something crisp and fresh to balance out a rich or creamy dish.

​Spicy Cucumber Salad​ Sometimes a simple side salad or some pico de gallo is all you need. A crisp cucumber salad is great, too, and can be dressed in so many different ways. Get the recipe

Honestly, I think tasting and analyzing a dish is kind of fun!

The practice also teaches us about our own taste buds and preferences and helps us become better cooks! 🧑‍🍳

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I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

~Lori

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