Black Bean Bolognese

Fermented black soybeans are a staple ingredient in Chinese and other Asian cuisines, and they have phenomenal depth of flavor and umami. While you can purchase loose fermented and salted beans, they are most convenient when purchased in sauce form, having been combined with other ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Kikkoman and Lee Kum Kee brands both have fermented black bean sauces (labeled “Black Bean Garlic Sauce”) that are excellent and convenient additions to soups, stir-fries, noodles, and any place you are looking for a boost of intense earthy funk.