Holy Grail Ingredients

These are the ingredients that make it all happen — the ones we absolutely cannot live without!

• Soycutash frozen veggies. From Trader Joe’s (duh), this consists of soy beans, corn, and peppers. We throw this into everything — from fried rice to couscous or stirfry with meat for a little extra somethin’ somethin’ and a burst of color.
• Canned stewed tomatoes. Because who really has time to boil and skin their own tomatoes when your tummy is growling? It’s a great thickening agent for stews, gives a boost of color and nutrients, and can be added to a variety of dishes, form a hearty pasta to a beef and vegetable stew.
• Spinach. Definitely the most versatile and accessible leafy green, ever! Not to mention one of the world’s healthiest foods!
• Mushrooms. Low in calories but full in flavor, mushrooms work well in soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, stirfries… you name it, we’ve cooked it.
• Trail mix. Our favorite: Trader Joe’s “Nuts about Antioxidants” mix, which has dried blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and chopped almonds. Whether you’re it mixing into your morning yogurt/granola or eating it on the go, it adds the perfect little kick.
• Firm tofu. We both grew up eating tofu and we love it, especially in our kidney soup… we once tried it without, and it just didn’t have the same effect. After all, our recipe is based on Korean spicy tofu soup. We’ve also made some great Asian-style stirfry and fried it with panko breadcrumbs. Yum!
• Miso paste. This is truly our secret ingredient. Beyond just making miso soup, it’s a great addition to any stirfry because it gives a great consistency and texture. Miso-marinaded salmon? Also delicious.
• Sesame oil. Unlike the more mellow olive oil, sesame oil in itself provides anything you cook with a deliciously rich flavor. It’s so fragrant and dresses up any dish with a punch of flavor!
• Soy sauce. We’re Asian. Couldn’t leave this one out.
• Frozen mango chunks. Once again from Trader Joe’s. At $2.17 a bag, mangoes are now affordable for everyone & year round. Throw them in any smoothie concoction, fruit salad or salsa mix for a great refreshing zing! Delish!