Written by Lindsay Grohs
When I was six years old, my best friend and I would film ourselves (pretending to be YouTube stars, of course) eating random combinations of foods. Sometimes we’d spice things up and put on blindfolds while we fed each other interesting food pairings or drew combinations that we wrote on slips of paper out of a hat. Since we were only six, this was pretty much a competitive challenge between the two of us to see who would flake out first. While this sounds disgusting, the concept still interests me to this day. Sure, certain food combinations are horrific when paired together, but what about the ones that we’re missing out on just because we have a prior assumption that they just won't work?
The truth is that some of the unexpected ingredient pairings can surprise both our taste buds and our minds. By taking this step outside the traditional boundaries of taste, we are opening ourselves up to a world of delicious possibilities. In this article, we’ll explore a few of these “unlikely stars”—ingredients that might seem odd at first glance but pair together in magical ways. So, who’s ready to break some culinary rules?
1. Sweet Potatoes & Peanut Butter
I know what you’re thinking. This one may sound like a stretch, but I promise you it’s delicious. The sweetness of the sweet potato pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the peanut butter. I recommend adding a honey drizzle on top to enhance the overall flavor of the combo. The peanut butter's creamy texture and sweet potato's natural sweetness create a fantastic balance, and the honey drizzle pulls it all together perfectly. Occasionally I will combine this into a yogurt bowl for a yummy and nutritious breakfast.
2. Chocolate & Chili
Have you ever had a bite of a chili chocolate bar? I was hesitant to eat it at first too, but after tasting this combo, it instantly became one of my favorites. This food pairing offers a captivating blend of opposite flavors. The rich, boldness of the chocolate combines harmoniously with the fiery warmth of the chili for a sensationally dynamic flavor. Your palate is first introduced to the creamy sweetness of the chocolate, followed by a spicy kick from the chili. This duo leaves a contrast between the sweet and the heat lingering in your mouth.
3. Pears & Ham
While pears and ham may seem odd, it’s a delightful and refreshing combo for many occasions. Whenever I come back from college, my family and I always make homemade pizza. For years, we have made a pear, ham, and spinach pizza, using olive oil as the sauce. The flavor profile of that pizza is exquisite. The natural sweetness and juiciness of the pear complement the salty smokiness of the ham, creating a balanced interplay of flavors. This combination offers a soft and succulent texture, adding another layer of appeal to the dish. This pairing can be mixed into a wide variety of things, from appetizers to simple dishes to gourmet entrées.
4. Olive Oil & Ice Cream
When I first heard of this combo, I was taken aback. Why on earth would someone top their ice cream with olive oil? Then, I tried it, and my views changed instantaneously. The first time I tried olive oil on ice cream was at an olive oil farm in Spain during a study abroad trip. We paired chocolate ice cream with an orange/vanilla-flavored olive oil. To say it was fantastic would be an understatement. The fruity, slightly peppery notes of the olive oil paired beautifully with the rich sweetness of the chocolate ice cream. The texture combination was also incredible, with the creaminess of the ice cream melding gently with the silkiness of the olive oil. Each bite offered an unexpected elegance. This combination turns a simple dessert into a culinary masterpiece.
5. Pasta & Chocolate
What are we in the movie Elf? If you’ve never seen Elf, watch it right now! If you have seen Elf, you know that Buddy the Elf creates a spaghetti dish featuring maple syrup, chocolate syrup, M&Ms, marshmallows, and a chocolate fudge Pop-Tart. When I initially watched Buddy eat the spaghetti, I was appalled. But then I got to thinking about it and started to wonder if the combination of pasta and chocolate could be enticing. Upon trying this combination, I came to find that pasta and chocolate offer an intriguing mix. The mild, starchy flavor of the pasta provides a neutral base allowing the rich sweetness of the chocolate to shine. No matter what form the chocolate is incorporated into the pasta (as a sauce, in chunks, etc.), it adds a velvety depth that contrasts the pasta’s lightness. This pairing creates a pleasant tension between traditional pasta and the indulgence of chocolate, making it a surprising and fun culinary fusion.
6. Dates & Cheese
Dates and cheese are two of my favorite foods. One day, I was feeling brave and decided to pair the two together. The outcome was immaculate. The intense sweetness of the date complemented the bold nuttiness of the brie cheese perfectly. I topped this off with a drizzle of honey for an extra wow factor. The entire thing combined for a satisfying bite with many layers of flavors that danced in my mouth. Although I paired the dates with brie, many other cheeses, such as goat, blue, or mascarpone, would pair beautifully with dates. Goat and blue cheeses have sharper, more tangy profiles, which would give a more bold contrast in this pairing. Mascarpone, on the other hand, is a sweeter, smoother cheese. This would add a touch of creamy, silky richness to the flavor profile.
7. Beef & Raisins (picadillo, stir fry, kebabs, stews, meatballs)
One of my good friends introduced me to this pairing through a dish called Picadillo. Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish made with ground beef (beef or pork), onions, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, olives, and, of course, raisins. This dish features a combination of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. This combination is especially delicious when incorporated into an empanada! This pairing plays with different taste profiles as the contrast of sweet and savory takes on their roles. The savory flavors of the beef, whether in picadillo, stews, meatballs, or other dishes, are balanced by the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the raisins. The raisins infuse the beef with bursts of sweetness and chewiness, which complement the heartiness of the beef. Overall, this pairing is nothing shy of excellent.
8. Potatoes and Jam
I discovered this food pairing at work one day when the kitchen staff offered me extra potatoes. Normally, I would pair these potatoes with ketchup, but we were all out at the time. I took it upon myself to experiment that day. I opened the mini jar of strawberry jam and topped a few of the potatoes with it. Up until that moment, I had never had a Ratatouille moment. You know, the scene where Remi eats a strawberry with cheese and sparks fly. That is how that flavor combination felt. The starchiness of the potatoes gave a savory yet neutral base for the sweetness of the jam to take over. The jam added a burst of fruitiness to the richness of the potatoes. The crispy texture of the exterior of the potatoes also added an element of crunch to the combo, which enhanced the pairing even further. Although I used strawberry jam for this pairing, I would not shy away from experimenting with other jams to offer a slightly different balance of delightful flavors.
9. Pork & Applesauce
Have you ever heard of the concept of “comfort food”? My family, specifically my grandpa, absolutely loves comfort food. Comfort food refers to dishes that bring a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and emotional satisfaction, often tied to memories. I feel like this pairing is the perfect example of a “comfort food” dish. My mom and I used to make homemade applesauce together. This dish reminds me of those memories, along with the warm, fall-like smells that filled our house when we made the applesauce. The sweet, tanginess of the applesauce easily complements the rich, fatty flavors of the pork. The juiciness of the pork contrasts with the smooth, yet tart applesauce, cutting through the meat. This dish offers a blend of sweet, savory, and umami elements that are sure to make your heart (& stomach) happy.
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Which one will you try next?