In this lively and exceptionally enjoyable book, The Flavour Thesaurus, Niki Segnit takes you on a gustatory adventure, exploring the infinite possibilities of combining flavours in the kitchen. With an encyclopaedic approach, Segnit delves into 160 popular ingredients and pairs them in unique and imaginative ways, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Segnit has meticulously scoured thousands of recipes from countless cookbooks, consulted with a myriad of food technologists and chefs, and visited hundreds of restaurants globally. Her quest? To unearth the most harmonious and surprising flavour pairings that can elevate your cooking. The result is a groundbreaking tome that is as much a reference book as it is a source of inspiration, brimming with quirky observations, practical culinary advice, and hundreds of embedded recipes.
Here are a couple of enticing entries to whet your appetite:
Celery and Dill: Like a couple of spry septuagenarians who still bother to find the right necklace for their frock, wear silver shoes to the theatre, and engage in waspish, flirty conversations given the attention they deserve. These ingredients come alive when paired with the red-blooded company of beef or more workaday tinned tuna, but when left to their own devices, they can create a thrifty yet classy soup.
Coriander Leaf and Peanut: Substitute coriander and peanut for basil and pine nuts, and you have a delicious Vietnamese-style take on pesto. Process a large bunch of coriander leaf with a tablespoon of groundnut oil, a teaspoon of fish sauce, perhaps a few mint leaves if you have them, some chilli, and a squeeze of lime. Add half a handful of ground peanuts. Toss through warm noodles – egg or rice – and serve with more peanuts scattered on top.
Beautifully packaged, The Flavour Thesaurus is not only a highly useful reference book that will immeasurably improve your cooking, but it’s also the sort of book that might keep you up at night reading. Infused with Segnit’s wit and charm, it’s an indispensable guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of flavour combinations and their roles in creating memorable meals.
Whether you’re a professional chef, a dedicated home cook, or a food enthusiast, The Flavour Thesaurus promises to expand your culinary horizon and inspire you to experiment fearlessly with flavour. This comprehensive guide, rich with anecdotes and practical tips, deserves a place of honour on your kitchen bookshelf.
