Flavour without additives or spice?

Question

My Father cannot eat rich foods-like curries or chinese, and my Mother is against food additives. Is there a way of flavouring simple meals with natural, basic flavour?

Answer 1

Each of the previous answers offers good options. The oldest and most common flavor enhancer I know of is salt.

I personally prefer a high quality sea salt and for special dishes fleur de sel. The salt used does make a difference and it is worth extra price.

I think iodized salt tastes medicinal and you can probably get plenty of iodine from a healthy, well balanced diet rich foods like yoghurt, strawberries, milk, eggs. One of the best sources is sea kelp.

Answer 2

Herbs add flavor without salt or spice! You can even have an indoor herb garden in a window sill. Or dried herbs are fine also.

Answer 3

Against food additives? Like salt and pepper? That's odd. What about lemon and lime? Fresh herbs? Is she against them?

Or is she more against prveratives and processed foods? I could understand that.

Answer 4

Aromatics are your best option in the absence of spices. Those would be garlic, shallots, onions, ginger, lemon grass....etc.
I would augment this with herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary....etc

Answer 5

I always flavor caseroles with celery. You have to cook items with it so it penetrates. If you like the taste.

Also black beans, they add so much natural flavor to any meal.

Mushrooms sauteed in thin layer of olive oil.

My faves anyway.

Answer 6

Herbs, like parsley, basil, thyme and rosemary add delicate flavor, not spiciness, to food. And parsley is supposed to aid digestion, so your father whould like that!

Answer 7

Mrs. Dash


Its a great for seasoning. They use flavoring to replace salt.

Answer 8

carrots, onion, garlic, celery, shallots, red peppers, green peppers, and many more can flavor foods. But why no black pepper or salt???