Close
Photo:Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
For the first time,EatingWellgot 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.
Lidia Bastianich Just Told Us the First Dish She Perfected—and We Have the Recipe
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.
14 Healthy Breakfasts You Can Make in a Skillet
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.
Giada De Laurentiis Just Shared One of Her Favorite Ways to Use Zucchini and It’s a Deliciously Simple No-Cook Recipe
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?
The 3 Underrated Foods to Add to Your Grill This Summer, According to Chef Jet Tila
EatingWell:What does “eating well” mean to you?
Zakarian:Good, real ingredients, prepared simply.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
