German cuisine, though often thought of as heavily meat-based and somewhat reserved, has a style and flavor all of its own. Add a bit of german authenticity to your cuisine by using some of the herbs and spices that make German food so obviously German.
Mustard
Mustard is an essential condiment for traditional German sausage. Many different varieties of Mustard are used across Germany, the verities tend to be sweeter than American or English mustards if not quite as hot. Spicy Dusseldorf mustard with its hot and spicy taste contrasts Bavarian mustard’s sweetness. This isn’t just the mustard seeds that have differing flavors. Each sauce is prepared with ingredients like honey or applesauce that bring subtly of flavor to the different blends.
Buniper Berries
Juniper berries are responsible for the fresh pine taste in various German dishes. Often used to season meats and as an ingredient in Sauerkraut. Juniper berries are small peppercorn-like berries that are actually little pinecones. The berries will help bring a german taste and feel to your dishes at home.
Horseradish
Horseradish is similar to mustard and they are often used together in German cooking. Traditionally Horseradish is served in Germany as an accompaniment to the boiled beef dish Tafelspitz. It can be mixed with cream to reduce its intensity. Horseradish is a great ingredient to bring a bit of german flavor to your own cooking.
Caraway seeds
Caraway seeds are an ingredient often seen in german cuisine. Their taste is somewhat similar to Dill or Anise seeds. With widespread use in german foods, you can expect to find Carraway in foods as diverse as German breads like Pumpernickel, to cheeses, and even an ingredient in SauerKraut.
Bay leaves
Though common internationally, Bay Leaves have a strong place in german slow-cooked foods like Sauerbraten a type of pot roast. They have a woody, if somewhat bitter taste, often used to give a depth of flavor to soups. The leaves can be bought whole or as a powder.
If you have a favourite ingredient that can add a bit of german authenticity to your cuisine at home we would love to hear about it and share your ideas with our readers. What international food do you love?