Ingredients

Rice

Grain · Neutral. Carries whatever it's cooked with.

Eggs

Animal protein · Mild, slightly rich. Yolk carries most of the flavor and fat.

Olive oil

Fat · Grassy, peppery, fruity, or buttery depending on the olive variety and region.

Lentils

Legume · Earthy, mild. A blank canvas for spice.

Broccoli

Brassica · Slightly bitter, grassy. Roasting brings out sweetness.

Yogurt

Fermented dairy · Tangy, cooling, faintly sweet in the plain varieties.

Garlic

Allium · Pungent raw, sweet and mellow when caramelized.

Tomato

Nightshade / fruit · Sweet-acidic-umami all at once. Cooked tomatoes are almost pure umami.