After salt, black pepper is the most widely and commonly used seasoning across the world. It is a globally loved spice that is known for its subtle, earthy heat. Whether you buy whole peppercorns or pre-ground black pepper, this is the first spice you look for when you are cooking. This popular tabletop staple in homes and restaurants makes a vital ingredient in so many sweet and savoury dishes.
Black pepper is much more than a flavor-adding spice. Other than making our recipes taste flavorful, this spice is used in many traditional medicines that help us stay healthy. This post suggests different ways of using black pepper but before that let us understand how the size of black pepper grind affects our cooking.
Different Grind Sizes of Black Pepper
There are various reasons which highlight the importance of black pepper grind. Grinds suggest how finely the peppercorns have been broken down on milling. The general rule says that the bigger the pieces of peppercorn are, the longer the flavor is going to last in storage. That is the reason most of the professional chefs prefer grinding their black pepper fresh from whole peppercorns to bring out the finest flavors of the spice to the dishes.
Black pepper comes in different variants depending upon the grind size. They are:
- Whole black peppercorns: Add a perfect punch of aroma and taste to your dishes with whole peppercorns which make a great ingredient to marinades, soups, and stocks.
- Cracked black peppercorns: They are large pieces of peppercorns and when they are added to the recipe, they fill the mouth with wallop of flavors each and every time you take a bite. They can be used for garnishing soups and salads.
- Coarse black pepper: This grind size adds rich and bold flavors to any recipe. This variant of black pepper strikes the perfect balance between the strength of flavor and uniform distribution of taste. Use it on barbecue meats, salads, soups, and vegetable skewers.
- Table ground pepper: It is found on every restaurant table and ideal for the milder and consistently even pepper flavor.
- Fine black pepper: If you desire smooth, rich, and uniform flavor in your dish and at the same time you want to have your pepper hidden in the food then this variant is the perfect choice. This conceals the visual aspect of the spice but at the same time adds the desired flavors to your recipe.
The right grind size can make a significant difference to the bite and zing of your dish. In order to enjoy delicious and satisfied mealtimes, it is important to select the right grind size as it significantly affects the overall taste.
Uses of Black Pepper
Black pepper has endless uses. It is a versatile spice that comes with a wide range of culinary uses. We have come up with some wonderful uses of black pepper.
- Seasoning: One of the most common uses of black pepper powder is for seasoning variety of dishes including poultry, seafood, vegetables, meat, soups, stews, and salads. It is used for adding depth of flavor and a hint of heat to almost any dish.
- Marinades: While preparing marinades for vegetables, meats, or tofus; include ground black pepper. It makes a fantastic combination with other ingredients like olive oil, garlic, citrus juice, and herbs.
- Dry rubs: Mix organic black pepper with other spices and herbs to make flavorful dry rubs for meats. Rub the mixture onto the meat before grilling, roasting, or smoking for added flavor and complexity.
- Soups and stews: Black pepper powder make an incredible ingredient to add to soups, stews, and broths to enhance their flavor. It works amazingly well in hearty dishes like chili, lentil soup, chicken noodle soup, and beef stew.
- Sauces and dressings: Incorporate black pepper powder into sauces, dressings, and condiments for that flavorful kick. Blend black peppercorns or black pepper powder with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise to prepare quick dressings and sauces.
- Eggs: Be it scrambled eggs, omelets, frittatas, quiches, and other egg dishes, elevate the flavors of your egg dishes by sprinkling some black pepper. Its spicy flavor complements the richness of the eggs and adds depth to the overall taste.
- Pasta and grains: Add black pepper into pasta dishes, rice dishes, risottos, and other grain-based dishes to have them taste more delicious. It helps balance the flavors and can add a subtle heat to the dish.
- Baking: Use black pepper powder or black peppercorns in baking to add a unique flavor dimension to sweet and savory baked goods. They pair well with chocolate, so consider adding a pinch to brownie batter, chocolate cookies, or even chocolate cakes.
- Infusions: Infuse black pepper into oils, vinegars, or spirits to create flavorful bases for dressings, marinades, cocktails, or dipping sauces. Simply combine whole peppercorns with the desired liquid and let them steep for several days to extract their flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkling freshly ground black pepper over finished dishes just before serving is the magical mantra to add a burst of flavor and visual appeal to your dishes. It works well as a garnish for everything from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to creamy soups and pasta dishes.
The list of different ways of using black pepper does not end here. There are so many more creative ways in which black pepper powder and black peppercorns can be used to have your dishes stand out. Use your culinary skills to use black pepper in fantastic ways in food and otherwise.
Black peppercorns and coarse black pepper powder are two variants of this spice offered by Spice Profile. Depending upon the requirement of your recipe, you can select the suitable variant and enjoy it in your food.