The shelf with the "I-forgot-when-I-bought-these" olives and crusted-over mustard exists on far too many of our refrigerator doors, and sometimes, the most unassuming ingredients can do intense heavy lifting. Probably sitting idly alongside those olives and mustard are some capers, an unsung ingredient that can bring a burst of brine with every bite. Bland tuna salad is a crime many home cooks commit, and there are many ways to — but a spoonful of capers is your get out of jail free card.
of a caper bush. Because of their compact size and bulbous shape, biting down on a caper releases its vegetal juices mixed with a salt and vinegar brine, creating a sharp umami flavor. Capers' punchy zing balances out the fatty, heavy components of a tuna salad while rounding it all out with their earthy savoriness.
is another ingredient that adds an umami dimension to a tuna salad, but capers can add both that same dimension a bright lift. Not all heroes wear cape(r)s They're small but mighty — and that works in their favor. Capers are a simple solution to bring a bright pop to any dish, as they pack rich flavor in small pearls.
Often tucked in a refrigerator corner, opened capers can last for about a year, so dust off that forgotten shelf and try using them as your go-to flavor enhancer. They stand out in typical Italian dishes, as their sharp zing matches a sweet tomato sauce and their saltiness enhances the taste of garlic. Incorporating capers can completely revamp a lazy night's pa.