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The Importance of Pairings: Why You Need to Know What Goes Well Together

There is an old saying that goes, "opposites attract." While this may be true in some cases, it's not always the best strategy when it comes to food. In fact, many of the most successful food pairings happen when complementary flavors are combined. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of food pairings and why you need to know what goes well together. We'll also provide a few tips on how to create successful pairings of your own!

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Complementary Flavors are Key

The most important thing to remember about food pairings is that complementary flavors are key. When two flavors complement each other, they create a third flavor that is greater than the sum of its parts. This is why some of the most classic flavor combinations, like chocolate and peanut butter, work so well together. One way to think about complementary flavors is to consider how they might interact with each other if they were mixed together in a recipe. For example, if you were making a savory dish with chicken as the main ingredient, you might want to pair it with something that has a strong flavor of its own, like garlic or ginger. These spices can help to round out the chicken's flavor and make it more complex. On the other hand, if you were making a sweet dish like a cake or pie, you would want to pair it with something that has a complementary flavor, like lemon. The acidity of the lemon will help to balance out the sweetness of the cake and make it more enjoyable to eat. In general, it is best to avoid pairing two strong flavors together, as they will tend to cancel each other out. Instead, look for flavors that will enhance each other and create a more dynamic dish.


Consider Texture

In addition to complimentary flavors, another important thing to consider when pairing food is texture. Different textures can have a big impact on the overall taste and feel of a dish. For example, pairings like creamy pasta with crunchy vegetables or tender meat with crispy potatoes can be very successful. The key here is to contrast the different textures in your dish so that they complement each other. You don't want everything to be soft or everything to be crunchy - that would just be boring! Instead, try to create a balance of textures that will interest your palate and keep you coming back for more. One final tip on texture is to pay attention to the temperature of your ingredients. Pairing hot and cold ingredients can create an interesting contrast that can really liven up a dish. For example, try pairing grilled chicken with a cold salad or roasted vegetables with a chilled soup.


Alcohol can be Your Friend

Another great way to create successful food pairings is to use alcohol. When used judiciously, alcohol can add a whole new dimension to a dish. For example, pairing a rich red wine with a hearty steak can really bring out the flavors of both ingredients. Of course, you don't want to overdo it with the alcohol - too much can overpower the other flavors in your dish and make it unpleasant to eat. But a small amount can really enhance the taste of your food. Just be sure to experiment until you find the perfect balance for your particular dish. Also, knowing which wine to pair with your meal can be tricky, but there are a few general guidelines you can follow. For example, white wine is usually best with lighter dishes like fish or chicken, while red wine is better suited for heartier fare like beef or lamb. Of course, there are always exceptions to these rules, so don't be afraid to experiment!


Other Eccentric Pairings

While the pairings listed above are some of the most classic and well-known, there are plenty of other eccentric combinations that can be just as delicious. For example, try pairing grilled salmon with a mango salsa or roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze. The important thing to remember is that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to food pairings. So don't be afraid to experiment and try new things! You might just find your new favorite flavor combination. Also, it's not just food that needs to be paired well. Other things like cigars, coffee, tea, and even clothing can be thought of in terms of pairings. For example, exclusive Arturo Fuente cigars go great with Hennessy cognac. Likewise, blueberries go great with Darjeeling tea. 

Photo by Ilaria Ghidini on Unsplash


Just like with food, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pairings. So get out there and start experimenting! You might be surprised at what you come up with.


Photo by Mister Mister: https://www.pexels.com/photo/shrimp-dish-3434523/


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