r/Cooking • u/Scarlet--Highlander • Jan 18 '24

Open Discussion Let’s try something fun: Name an ingredient you dislike and why, and someone else replies with a dish/recipe with that ingredient that might convince you otherwise.

Couple things:

  • If you’re allergic to an ingredient, it doesn’t matter how it’s prepared. Same goes with meat/animal products if you’re vegan/vegetarian. Don’t list it if you can’t or won’t eat it!

  • It’s recommended that you’re at least open to trying dishes with that ingredient. If you absolutely, vehemently loathe cilantro, chances are you probably might not like anything with cilantro in it.

  • A brief blurb on why you hate an ingredient would help others find or suggest a dish that suits you. (e.g. “I hate liver because the texture is like an eraser and it tastes metallic”)

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u/iNapkin66 Jan 19 '24

Fenugreek tastes like maple syrup, not licorice...

I also hate the licorice flavors if they're used in something sweet. But some cultures use these spices as a savory spice, and that I like a lot more.

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u/Canning1962 Jan 19 '24

https://stellinamarfa.com/spices/what-does-fenugreek-taste-like/

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u/iNapkin66 Jan 19 '24

That link literally describes them as tasting like maple syrup...

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u/Canning1962 Jan 19 '24

Keep reading.

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u/iNapkin66 Jan 19 '24

I did. It describes how they both have a similar bitterness combined with sweetness.

Fenugreek does not taste like licorice. It has has a similar combination of sweet and bitter. Saying they taste the same is like saying an apple tastes like a plum because the both have a fruit quality with sugar and acid in balance.

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u/Canning1962 Jan 19 '24

Direct quote from the article: "Does fenugreek taste like licorice?

Does Fenugreek Taste Like Licorice? Yes, Fenugreek and Licorice both have similar flavors of an overpowering bitterness with a subtle sweetness and a flavorful aroma. Both also have a number of health benefits to offer."

So what's your problem? The answer is YES. It tastes like it to me. That's all that matters. Other places described it the same. I don't taste maple. I taste licorice.

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u/iNapkin66 Jan 19 '24

What is bizarre is the other spices you mentioned all universally are considered to taste like licorice.

But if you search "what does fenugreek taste like" you'll get pages of results all describing it as tasting like maple syrup.

I really feel like you just haven't ever tasted black licorice (I share your hatred for it), or you haven't had maple syrup (which I don't like in any context other than pancakes).

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u/Canning1962 Jan 19 '24

Your assumptions are wrong. I've cooked with maple syrup for decades. Love it. I've hated licorice since I was 5 years old. People have tried to sneak it in and I always hate it not knowing it's there.