Bye, Bagel Seasoning — This Is the Newest TJ’s Blend to Covet
Welcome to our food series called Eat It Up, where we share the kitchen gadgets and foods that we can’t cook without.
Trader Joe’s is constantly breathing new life into our formerly boring dinners with offerings that range from baller vegan foods to low-carb keto delights. And we haven’t even gotten into the spice section. Though we’ve been big-time fans of its Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, we have to take a moment to showcase its newest crown jewel: Trader Joe’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend ($3). Umami, the fifth taste, is that savory, “meaty” flavor that you find in things like Parmesan cheese, bonito, kelp, and miso. It’s also found in mushrooms, thanks to the fungi’s naturally occurring glutamic acids. Leave it to Trader Joe’s to figure out a way to capture that essence, and we’re not talking synthesized MSG or anything like that.
The seasoning combines kosher salt, dried onion powder, ground mustard seed, porcini mushroom powder, white button mushroom powder, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and dried thyme. The blend helps bring out the savory qualities of the other ingredients, and the seasoning overall has a funky, rich flavor with a hint of spice. But what can you do with a jar of powdered mushroom? We’re glad you asked.
- Sprinkle umami powder over marinated vegetables and grill for a memorable side-dish or vegetarian entrée.
- Give your meat even more oomph by using umami seasoning as a spice rub before searing, roasting, or grilling.
- Blend softened butter with umami powder in your food processor and rub it over and under the skin of a chicken (blow-dry it first – trust us!) before roasting. The savory drippings will make the best gravy.
- Stir some umami seasoning into marinades and sauces to give them a savory, salty boost.
- Add a generous amount of umami seasoning to store-bought veggie stock for a meat-free broth that you’ll want to slurp right out of the pot.
- Sprinkle umami powder over buttered popcorn and you won’t be able to stop snacking on it.
- Blend umami powder with cashews, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder in the food processor to make vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Rim pint glasses with umami seasoning before filling them with your signature Bloody Marys.
- Liven up a boring pan of cauliflower rice, couscous, or another whole grain with a healthy dose of umami seasoning.
- Make savory mixed nuts that will become your favorite new cocktail party snack by tossing freshly roasted nuts with umami seasoning and rosemary while they’re still hot.
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(Photo via Trader Joe’s)
