Tea: a cook’s best secret

Here’s a fun surprise. Tea is a remarkably versatile secret ingredient in the kitchen, where it can add subtle herbaceous depth and richness to all kinds of dishes—from soups to sweets. Lapsang souchong lends mild smoky flavor to soups or stews. Some very dark black teas even have a chocolate finish that complements sweet sauces for pork or poultry. Try these ideas