Black pepper is a staple in any kitchen pantry, but it can be confusing to know how to use it and how to get the most flavour out of it. If you’re a millennial looking for a detailed guide on how to cook with black pepper, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s explore a few of the different ways you can use this versatile spice, including Australian black pepper.
Buying Black Pepper
The first step in cooking with black pepper is making sure you buy quality peppercorns. Look for peppercorns that are uniform in size and shape (as opposed to rock-hard, misshapen pepper). You can buy peppercorns whole or pre-ground into a powder. For the best flavour, however, buy the whole peppercorns and grind them yourself using either a mill or mortar and pestle.
When buying whole peppercorns, there are several varieties available. Australian black pepper is one of the most popular varieties due to its earthy aroma and spicy flavour – it’s also known for being slightly milder than other types of black pepper, so it’s perfect for those who don’t like their food too spicy.
Cooking with Black Pepper
Once you have your peppercorns ready to go, there are several ways you can use them in your cooking. To start off simple, try adding freshly ground black pepper directly onto food before serving. This works especially well on vegetables like carrots or potatoes as well as salad dressings – a few turns of your mill will bring out the flavours and make your dish extra special!
You can also add black pepper into marinades for meats and fish, or into sauces like béarnaise or hollandaise sauce. Just be sure not to overdo it; too much black pepper can leave an unpleasant bitter taste in your mouth! Additionally, consider using Australian black pepper as an alternative; its unique flavour profile makes it great for adding complexity without overpowering other ingredients in the dish.
Cooking with black pepper doesn’t have to be complicated
With a few basic tips and tricks, anyone can become an expert at spicing up their dishes! Whether you opt for traditional peppercorns or something more exotic like Australian black pepper, just remember that freshness is key when it comes to getting maximum flavour out of this versatile spice. Armed with these tips on cooking with black pepper, all that’s left now is to get creative in the kitchen – good luck!
