Celebrity Italian chef reveals the five pantry items you should NEVER have in your home - and the ingredient he swears by for boosting flavour in meals
- An Italian chef has dished out the five ingredients every household should avoid
- Andrea Tranchero has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world
- Now, he shares least favourite ingredients, go-to product and 2020 food trends
An Australian-Italian chef has revealed the five ingredients every household should avoid, including ketchup, frozen vegetables and margarine.
Andrea Tranchero - who worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world - has cooked for the likes of tennis legend Roger Federer and fashion designer Giorgio Armani during his 30-year career.
The executive chef of Barilla shared the ingredients he believed should be banned in the kitchen, his go-to product to boost flavours and his 2020 food trend predictions.
Australian-Italian chef Andrea Tranchero (pictured) has dished out the five ingredients every household should avoid, including ketchup, frozen vegetables and margarine
The top chef said one of his least favourite ingredients to use is processed garlic paste.
'Although it's convenient to have in the fridge, I find that it has a really strong flavour, is full of preservatives and not the easiest to digest,' he told FEMAIL.
'Instead I use fresh garlic and like to either cook it slowly with olive oil in a pan or make my own garlic olive oil.'
He said he avoids using ketchup because it contains high sugar content - while frozen vegetables are another thing banned in his house.
'I like to cook seasonally and use fresh vegetables that have been sourced from local growers,' Tranchero said.
Another ingredient he avoids using is MSG - a common food additive that is used to enhance flavour, especially in Asian cooking.
'This is a common ingredient in Asian cuisine, but I prefer to avoid it and stick to natural ingredients and quality stock,' he said.
Share this article
The chef - who worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world - has cooked for the likes of tennis star Roger Federer and designer Giorgio Armani during his 30-year career
Finally, Tranchero said he ditches margarine for extra virgin olive oil to 'help reduce my fat intake and for flavour purposes'.
His favourite go-to ingredient he uses every time he needs to enhance the flavour of a dish is extra virgin olive oil.
'I really can't go past a good quality extra-virgin olive oil,' Tranchero said.
'Olive oil is so versatile - you can use for frying and sautéing, as a dressing, to marinate meat and of course, in your pasta sauce.
'With a good quality oil, you only need a small amount to add richness and a fruity, peppery layer of flavour to your dish.'
Andrea Tranchero's 2020 food trend predictions
Sustainability: Many chefs and restaurants have already begun to shift towards using locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients in their cooking. I can only hope that in 2020 we continue to support each other and choose products that are good for both us, and the future of the planet.
Plant-based: Another trend I see growing is plant-based foods. We'll see more alternatives offered in stores and restaurant.
Zero waste: This a trend I hope extends beyond 2020. Chefs are starting to get really creative with the idea of using the whole of an ingredient, not just the best or preferred parts. You'd be amazed what you can create with off cuts.
Quality convenience food: We're leading increasingly busy lives and so are on the hunt for food that's quick and convenient, without compromising on quality. For a deliciously quick dinner, just grab the staples – pasta and sauce - then bulk up with meat and veggies.
Mediterranean diet: More diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, seafood and olive oil. Mediterranean diets are very traditional of the way Italians eat. As well as being delicious, they're full of natural goodness like vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.
