Since we all go to restaurants for a fine dining experience once in a while, the term ‘garnish’ is not unknown to us anymore. It’s the elements we add additionally to food for decorating purposes, which in turn add a new flavor to the dish as well. No one can deny the fact that first impression or appearance plays a major role in shaping our thoughts about any particular thing, let it be a person, place or food. You are willing to eat something only when its appearance woos you. And here comes the significance of garnish.
When people cook at home for their family or themselves, they are least bothered about its look. The basic requirement is for healthy food that tastes good. And that’s understandable. Nobody needs to be fancy to woo their family members by adding additional ingredients to food. But in the commercial arena, restaurants and food joints are supposed to satisfy their customers in every way possible, so that they visit again. You might think that they charge a handsome amount for some fancy food, which is not even enough in quantity, and most of the time the cost is not even reasonable at all!
Have you ever thought, about why they charge so much? They offer such food that looks delicious even if it doesn’t taste that good. And don’t think they put very expensive ingredients that make it so costly, it’s the unique ideas they apply to the food, that’s what you pay for. I’m here to tell you that you can make your homemade cook as delicious as a fine dining restaurant with some easy garnish. Let’s be honest, nobody could be a better chef than someone who’s been cooking for their family every single day. You’re an efficient chef; all you need is just some mind-blowing ideas to apply to your food before serving it on the table. Your perfect Cookinglife is just a few easy steps away.
Easy and pocket-friendly garnish ideas
- Leave herbs
From food to beverage, adding herbs and leave as a garnish can enhance the flavor to a new level. There are plenty of ingredients that fall in this category that are easily available in the market and wouldn’t upset your pocket. You just need to pick the right ingredient for the right dish. Here are the leaves and herbs you can decorate your food with.
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Coriander
- Cilantro
- Oregano
- Basil
- Spring green (as a base)
- Chives
- Dill
- Spinach (usually used as a base)
- Mint leaves
- Chervil
- Bay leaves
Using these herbs and leaves as a garnish would not only decorate the food but also add a unique flavour to it since each of these ingredients have an authentic flavor and smells. Next time when you make a dessert or mocktail, add a little garnish. Not only your stomach, but the heart would feel happy too.
- Greens and roots
Often greens and roots are used as garnish at restaurants to fill the plate. And it surprisingly makes the little quantity of food look like enough. You can also try this trick at home for decorating purposes. The greens you can use as a garnish are-
- Spring greens
- Endive
- Lettuce
- Butter crisp
- And spinach
- Veggies and fruits
Regular vegetables and fruits can be used to garnish food brilliantly. For instance, tomato and lemons are the most common garnish ingredients. You can also use strawberry, lime, carrot and papaya as garnish. These fruits and veggies can be used as zest, slices or wedges.
- Ketchup and puree
Ketchup and puree are often used to garnish the plate in a unique style. For example, an artfulstroke of tomato puree beside the food can make the food look vibrant and interesting. You can also add an edible flower beside that.
- Lemon garnish
There would hardly be someone who has never seen a thin lemon slice as a garnish on a glass. From cocktails to beverages and mocktails this particular garnish idea is widely popular. Next time while serving a glass of cocktail or lemonade as a welcome drink, add a slice of lemon to the glass to impress your guests.