Flavour Bombs

Pesto is the ultimate ADHD-friendly flavour bomb: ready to go from a jar, packed with sensory reward, and endlessly flexible. It brings brightness, richness, and depth to a dish in literal seconds—no chopping, no cooking, no stress. It’s also modular: use a little or a lot, pair with nearly anything, and feel like a genius every time.

Bonus: pesto contains healthy fats, nuts, and herbs that support focus, brain health, and energy regulation—especially when you’re running low.

This isn't about fancy flavours—it's about getting the basics right. Simple Seasoning is the starting point for every Base Recipe in ADHDishes. When your energy is low or your brain is overwhelmed, salt, oil, and (optional) pepper give you flavour, texture, and confidence without needing to think.

This seasoning helps ingredients crisp, caramelise, and sing—whether you're air frying chicken thighs, roasting green beans, or searing garlic butter beans. It lays the groundwork for layering Flavour Bombs later, but it’s delicious all on its own. Mastering simple seasoning will mean you can create a delicious meal even if you don't have another flavour bomb to hand.

Chorizo is dopamine on a plate. It stimulates multiple senses — bold colour, sizzling sound, meaty chew, and that deep umami heat. Because it releases flavoured oil when cooked, it works like a two-for-one: you get crispy bits and a ready-made flavour base. Perfect for ADHD-friendly batch cooking, low-effort dinners, or building tasty leftovers into something new. It works especially well in things like stews where the oils can release and coat the other ingredients.

Garlic contains compounds that enhance dopamine transmission, while butter adds fat that helps balance blood sugar. Together, they create a rich, warming base that hits hard on flavour and keeps you satisfied. The sensory reward — aroma, sizzle, melt — is instant dopamine.

Teriyaki sauce ticks all the dopamine boxes:

• Sweet and savoury for maximum flavour hit
• Glossy texture that makes everything look more appetising
• Aromatics like garlic and ginger = instant sensory reward
• Sticky finish when reduced — makes everything feel satisfying

It’s quick, shelf-stable (in a bottle or jar), and doesn’t need any prep. Great for fast stir-fries, roasted veg or glazing salmon or chicken.

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