#43: Learn the culture to understand the ingredients
There are so many different cuisines out there, from French to Thai, and it’s important to understand why each one has a subset of ingredients they tend to use. It’ll help you become a better cook, and it’ll add authenticity to your dishes. If I’m cooking Thai, I know to have ginger on hand, and if I’m cooking French, I’ve already purchased a bottle of wine.
One secret I’ve stashed away is adding chocolate powder to my chili. It doesn’t add any sweetness, rather it adds a depth I haven’t been able to replicate any other way. It’s commonly done in South American countries, and it’s a secret ingredient that very few people guess!