Queso Fresco

A crumbly, mild, and fresh Mexican cheese with a subtly tangy flavor and a snowy white appearance. Its delicate texture melts beautifully in your mouth, adding a touch of creamy simplicity to any dish.

Notes

Queso Fresco is often enjoyed for its ability to retain its shape when heated, making it a perfect table cheese or a delightful topping for dishes. It's a staple in many Latin American cuisines, offering a fresh, clean taste.

Uses

Sprinkled over tacos and enchiladas
Crumbed into salads
Paired with fresh fruit like pineapple or melon

Replacements

Panela
Burrata
Feta

Canned Anchovy Fillets

Canned anchovy fillets are small, saltwater fish that are packed in oil or salt, offering a concentrated umami flavor that enhances many dishes. Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, they have long been a staple in Spanish, Italian, and French cooking. Their taste is salty, briny, and deeply savory, with a hint of oceanic tanginess. The texture is soft and delicate, yet they maintain a slight firmness when cooked. In the kitchen, anchovy fillets are versatile; they dissolve easily into sauces to add depth of flavor, melt into dressings for a rich complexity, and can be crisped up for a savory garnish. They are prized for their ability to elevate the savoriness of a dish without overpowering other ingredients.

Endive

Endive is a leafy green vegetable known for its elongated, pale leaves with a slightly bitter taste and a crisp, refreshing texture. Originating from the Mediterranean region, endive has been cultivated for centuries and is a staple in European cuisine. Its flavor profile is marked by a mild bitterness that is balanced with a subtle sweetness, making it a versatile ingredient in both raw and cooked dishes. The leaves are sturdy yet tender, offering a satisfying crunch when eaten raw, and they soften when cooked. In cooking, endive holds up well to roasting and braising, mellowing its bitterness while retaining its distinct character. It can also be used in salads, where it adds a refreshing bite and visual appeal.

Recipes to try

One-Pot Tuscan White Bean and Pasta Stew

Warm up with this hearty stew where tender pasta mingles with creamy cannellini beans in a rich, garlicky tomato broth.

Thai Chicken Coconut Noodle Soup

Warm and fragrant, this soup is a symphony of coconut milk, zesty lime, and tender chicken with a hint of spice.