The Underrated Ingredient Every Home Cook Should Have on Hand, According to Geoffrey Zakarian

Whether you know him from Chopped, Iron Chef America, The Kitchen or other Food Network series, it’s clear in each endeavor that chef Geoffrey Zakarian is passionate about flavor. But good cooking isn’t just about the ingredients; every chef swears by quality cookware. That’s why Zakarian partnered with Dash to create the (fittingly named) Zakarian by Dash cookware line.

For the first time, EatingWell got to chat with Zakarian all about the line in this exclusive Q&A. Learn more about his favorite products—plus his go-to pantry staples, the underrated ingredient he uses every day and more—below. 

EatingWell: What makes the Zakarian by Dash kitchenware line unique from other cookware lines?

Zakarian: I teamed up with Dash because we share one common goal: to make home cooking easier and more efficient. From my 40-plus years' experience of cooking in the kitchen and using a broad range of products from various brands, I wanted to create a line of high-quality cookware and kitchen tools that were practical for everyday at-home use, no matter the cook’s level of expertise. Each product is crafted with a chef’s mentality and professional kitchen expertise, featuring nonstick stainless-steel and cast-iron pans, premium German-steel cutlery and innovative tools. 

EatingWell: What's a product from the line you can't stop using right now?

Zakarian: I truly use them all, but the one I reach for daily is the Nonstick Cast-Iron Fry Pan. The heat retention is unmatched, there is no seasoning required and cleanup is a breeze. It’s oven- and grill-safe and compatible with gas, electric and induction stovetops. From eggs and bacon at breakfast to the perfect steak or peach cobbler, it's a versatile pan that you will use year-round. 

EatingWell: In your opinion, what’s an underrated ingredient that you think all home cooks should have in their kitchens?

Zakarian: Dijon mustard! It’s a Zakarian household favorite and an ingredient that’s in our daily rotation. It acts as an emulsifier in vinaigrettes and sauces, adds acidity and punch to chicken or tuna salad, and is even the secret ingredient in my perfect grilled cheese. 

EatingWell: Do you have a favorite seasonal recipe that you have been making all summer long?

Zakarian: For me, summer is all about making the most of what I find at the farmers' market. Summer dinners are typically simple grilled proteins and a bounty of vegetable-forward dishes with plenty of fresh herbs and good olive oil. From perfectly thin zucchini crudo to a chilled corn soup or even a simple blueberry galette, the produce available during summer really shines. 

EatingWell: What are your top 3 pantry staples that you always have on hand?

Zakarian: One, a variety of good olive oils. If your pantry is well-stocked, you only need a few ingredients from the store to make dinner happen. Along with a great Greek extra-virgin olive oil for cooking, I keep cold-pressed citrus and herb olive oil on hand as well to drizzle on just before serving. The citrus oils are even exceptional-tasting drizzled on ice cream. Second is chardonnay vinegar. Almost everything I make, I use Forum chardonnay vinegar. It’s a bright, sweet Spanish vinegar that adds acidity and balance to vinaigrettes, soups, dips, braised meats and condiments. Last is smoked Maldon salt. I make sure I always have smoked Maldon salt on hand. I use it for the crunch and subtle smoky flavor it lends when added to eggs, fish, grilled meat or vegetables just before serving. Keeping this in your pantry at home is an easy way to elevate your cooking and up the flavor!

EatingWell: Your favorite vegetable and favorite way to prepare it?

Zakarian: During the summer, I really enjoy grilling my vegetables. The most efficient way to grill vegetables is in large or whole pieces, such as whole Japanese eggplant, halved zucchini, whole tomatoes, bell peppers, etc. If you need to grill smaller pieces, place them on skewers so that you don’t have to flip them piece by piece. If you’re using skewers, place only one type of vegetable on each skewer rather than mixing them. Every vegetable has a different cook time, so you can control your end result better this way. I recommend using the Zakarian by Dash Nonstick Cast-Iron Grill Topper, which is perfect for searing vegetables.

EatingWell: What does "eating well" mean to you?

Zakarian: Good, real ingredients, prepared simply.