SOURCES
Asian Products
Hoisin sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soba noodles, udon noodles, vermicelli rice noodles, mung bean sprouts, and edamame can be found at most well-stocked supermarkets, and at Asian supermarkets such as Hmart (nj.hmart.com). Look for dry goods and pantry items in the Asian section, and fresh vegetables, like mung bean sprouts and edamame in produce. Edamame is also sold frozen.
Flours and Sugars
High-quality white, whole-wheat, and other flours, as well as alternative flours and sugars like rice flour, buckwheat flour, and maple and turbinado sugar, can be found in most well-stocked supermarkets or ordered online. Good brands to look for include King Arthur Flour (KingArthurFlour.com), Bob’s Red Mill (BobsRedMill.com) and Wholesome (WholesomeSweet.com).
Harissa
Harissa can be found in the ethnic section at most well-stocked supermarkets, or ordered from Kalustyan’s (Kalustyans.com), Sahadi’s (Sahadis.com), and Amazon.com.
Licorice and Licorice Root Powder
Australian soft black licorice is widely available at well-stocked supermarkets and stores like Target and Walmart, and can also be purchased from Amazon.com and via the specialty candy shop Licorice International (LicoriceInternational.com), where you can also find dubbel zout (double salt) licorice. Look for licorice root powder at health food stores, or order from Kalustyans.com.
Matzo Meal
Look for matzo meal in the kosher section of well-stocked supermarkets, or order from Amazon.com.
Nuts and Seeds
Find chia seeds, pepitas, pine nuts, and other nuts and seeds at health food markets and well-stocked supermarkets, or order from TheNutBox.com and Amazon.com.
Peppers and Dried and Fresh Chilies
Look for whole dried chilies, such as anchos, as well as fresh chilies and peppers like Thai chilies, Scotch bonnets, and shishitos, at Latin markets and well-stocked supermarkets. Dried chilies can also be ordered from La Tienda (tienda.com), Kalustyans.com, Sahadis.com, and Amazon.com.
Pickapeppa Sauce can be found at Caribbean grocery stores and in the ethnic section of well-stocked supermarkets, or order from Pickapeppa.com, Kalustyans.com, or Amazon.com.
Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses can be found in the ethnic section of well-stocked supermarkets, or ordered from Kalustyans.com, Sahadis.com, and Amazon.com.
Salts
Kosher salt and flaky sea salts like Maldon are widely available at most well-stocked supermarkets. Specialty salts, like smoked sea salt and a variety of other sorts, can be ordered from TheMeadow.com.
Schmaltz
Many good butcher shops, Jewish delis, and health food stores stock schmaltz, which can also be ordered from Fatworks (fatworksfoods.com).
Specialty Produce
Farmers’ markets and good supermarkets are the best places to find high-quality produce, including a wide variety of greens (like dandelion), root vegetables (like jicama and celery root), and, when they’re in season, less widely available fruits and vegetables like cucamelons. The Chef’s Garden (chefs-garden.com) and Melissa’s Produce (melissas.com) are both good online sources for high-quality produce, including hard-to-find items.
Spices
High-quality spices like Aleppo pepper, sumac, whole cumin seeds, za’atar, and more can be ordered from Kalustyans.com, Sahadis.com, and La Boîte (laboiteny.com).
Tahini
Tahini is widely available in the nut butter or ethnic section of most good supermarkets. My favorite brand, Seed + Mill, can be ordered online from seedandmill.com.