Condiments make the world go around. They add pizzazz and an extra layer of flavour to your favourite dishes. Where would we be without condiments? Of all My Favourite Gluten-Free, Vegan Condiments the number one is kimchi!!! There is some pretty stiff competition but kimchi is top of my list (right now at least!). I love anything fermented and anything spicy so, Gluten-Free, Vegan Kimchi is a winner.
This month FriFran is all about Vietnamese food however, I have taken a small diversion with my Gluten-Free, Vegan Kimchi recipe because kimchi is awesome. Although kimchi is Korean it is eaten across Asia (and beyond) and has been adopted by many cuisines. I guess it is a bit like the British adopting ‘curry’. It might not have originated in the UK but it been absorbed in to the national psyche and culture.
My Top Five Gluten-Free, Vegan Condiments
There are a whole world of gluten-free, vegan condiments and I have whittled my favourites down to five. I’m sure you’d disagree with me but these five condiments make almost every meal I eat complete.
Gluten-Free, Vegan Kimchi
Ok. Top of the list is Gluten-Free, Vegan Kimchi … Just wonderful.
Tamari
I cannot live without tamari. Tamari is a Japanese soya sauce which is usually gluten-free (though you should always double check the ingredients). It is umami heaven. It goes on (and in) EVERYTHING!!! For days when I am feeling under the weather, Perfect Plain Rice, tamari and white pepper make me feel a bit more human! 🙂
Sea Salt Flakes
Sea salt flakes. Good quality sea salt flakes change the world. Fleur de sel is the best for sprinkling on food before eating and I tend to use Cornish sea salt in cooking and baking.
It goes without saying that we should not eat too much salt. However, if you do not eat processed food your salt consumption is probably quite low. If you do a lot of exercise and do not eat processed food you need to make sure you have enough salt in your diet.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut. Another fermented gem of a condiment. Wonderful, delicious, moreish! Sauerkraut is fantastic. A bit like tamari, Sauerkraut goes on and in EVERYTHING! I often use it in stir-fries in place of onions and garlic. It is fabulously versatile and extraordinarily delicious.
Rice Vinegar
Vinegar. Not malt vinegar (nope, not gluten-free) but a good quality gluten-free rice vinegar. Paired with sea salt flakes or tamari it elevates all food to another level. Sea salt flakes and rice vinegar on great chips is sweeettttt!
Other Favourite Gluten-Free, Vegan Condiments
There are a few other top store cupboard gluten-free, vegan condiments that deserve a mention.
Step forward sriracha. Sriracha is a Vietnamese chilli sauce. Just check the ingredients as a few brands contain MSG (E621). Most brands also contain garlic (a no for me) so check those ingredients.
White pepper is magical on Chinese food and in soups.
Dijon mustard is fantastic for salad dressings.
Tomato ketchup. Perfect on chips.
What are Your Favourite Gluten-Free, Vegan Condiments?
My list is going to be different to yours but I wonder… How different?
What are Your Favourite Gluten-Free, Vegan Condiments?
