The Condiment Book: A Brilliantly Flavourful Guide to Food's Unsung Heroes

by Claire Dinhut

The definitive condiment compendium by expert and TikTok sensation Claire Dinhut aka Condiment Claire

'A love letter to the most underrated ingredients in your kitchen – fresh, fun and genuinely useful. (Though don't make me choose between mustard and butter.)' – Felicity Cloake

'An utterly indispensable guide to flavour and eating well' – Nicola Lamb

Are you Team Ketchup or Team Mustard? What are your Top 3 condiments? And is butter really a condiment? Let Claire guide you through the condiment world of flavour starting with the Classics that we all know and love – Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Mustard and Butter – right through to Hot Sauces, Ferments and Pickles (think Miso and Kimchi), Dressings & Oils, Fruit in Jars and Dips.

With illustrations and charts throughout, The Condiment Book covers everything from failsafe recipes for much-loved condiments, hundreds of variations and flavour pairings, condiments from across the globe, fascinating historical facts (did you know that Aztecs used chillis as a weapon?) – it is the definitive guide to this class of food that isn't strictly necessary yet to most of us is indispensable.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Food and Drink

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 26, 2024

Reviews

[Caitlin Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book led to me making the best cheese toastie of my life. No notes 5/5.

[Stine]

Pickles

[Kat]

not life changing but cute and ive been manically making experimental pestos since i finished this a couple days ago, chefs kiss goes to anchovies <3

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful insight into the world of condiments and their history. The Condiment Book tickled my brain in the same way Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrst did. 

[Hayden Renaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got around to finishing this book and it made me love Claire even more! Her personality showed through all of the condiment history and recipes. The doodles — especially the Stinkometer — really added to the experience. I’m looking forward to giving the Tomato-Vanilla-Basil jam & Caesar salad dressing recipes a try

[Sophie (RedheadReading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be right back, I simply must go make an ungodly amount of pickles and dips...

[Nadine Belling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's not a cookbook, but an incredible book if you love food and cooking. Beautifully written with amazing illustrations!

[Agustina Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Feels like a warm hug everytime id go pick it up. It is not a cookbook! Truly a collection of history and fun facts about condiments as well as some easy home recipes to pair with the stories. Such a great read, ive learned alot too!

[Kathleen Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell how much time and love went into this book. It’s apparent how passionate Claire is about learning about different cultures through the flavors native to that part of the world. I think the jam part was most interesting, as well as the hot sauce and kimchi parts. Loved it

[Sara McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I learned to much about my own personal taste preferences and the history behind all my favorite condiments - can’t wait to try more recipes from this (not a cook)book!

[Tina Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book of flavor combinations, the history of condiments, and unique recipes! I especially love having base recipes for simple things like jams and hot sauces that I can then tweak and adjust to my flavor preferences and what’s in season.

[Hailey Strother · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new kitchen staple for me. Highly recommend!

[LizaMari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Plenty of inspiration for this year's meals!

[Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book! I pre-ordered this version and I will definitely be obtaining the US version as well when it comes out because I hear it will be a bit different.
I love all of the historical deep dives, charts, and doodles. The flavor combos Claire puts together are always 🔥. The recipes in here are fantastic as well! The candied jalapeno bites are a new favorite! So much good stuff in here and such a fun read. Everyone should check this book out I can't hype it up enough!!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-ordered the U.K. edition to give as a Christmas gift and couldn’t resist reading it before I gave it away! It’s just so visually appealing, and the writing really captures the engaging way Claire talks about food. My ONLY complaint is that some of the background colors make it difficult to read the text— but overall, I really enjoyed it (and I don’t typically read in this genre)! Highly recommended.

[Rachel Dangora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I can’t wait to also get the US version when it’s released next year. Claire is one of my favorite creators because of her deep dives into recipes, history, and travel. This book is all of that mushed up into the perfect little handbook guide on condiments. I can’t wait to try the recipes and become a condiment connoisseur!

[Megan Luckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE HER BRAIN I LOVEEE THIS BOOK!! the way she experiments is so inspiring

[Siera Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire writes on the evocative power of flavour like a true Proustian. Her guide is the perfect companion to join the never ending search for lost thyme 💕📗💕

[Laura Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delicious from start to finish. No notes. Just very hungry and excited to try tons of new things!

[Selina⚔️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book with helpful illustrations on how to maximize leftover scraps into delicious condiments.

It's also happy, nostalgic, and teaches history in easy-to-understand terms and visual cues!


Galing!!

[Abby Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Claire. The way she processes flavor is something to be envious of. Actually LOLed multiple times while reading.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic book. From the recipes to the history lessons to the small illustrations, it was an absolute delight to read and will live in my kitchen forever.

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have been making more condiments that i can eat since i read this book.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anderledes og inspirerende! ✨

[Silvia Pastorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars plus special mention to the lovely drawings: I want more food books with drawings, not just photos!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to be insufferable making my own butters and jams.

[Anika Vallelonga · Rating 4 out of 5]

fuck i love mustard

[nerea · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Me gustaria que fuese mas largo, sobre todo la parte de historia
2. Si no vas a poner las recetas enteras no pongas nada.
3. Solo he probado una receta pero 10/10

[Meeri-Lii · Rating 5 out of 5]

No notes

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! As a fellow condiment queen, I learned so much! Next step: make some jam!