Irini's Spice Paste Wins Coveted Great Taste Award Star

30th July, 2024

I am thrilled to share the wonderful news that Irini's Spice Paste, a creation born from my collaboration with Alice Murray from Northumbrian Pantry, has been awarded a prestigious Great Taste Award Star. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality and unique flavour profile of the spice paste, which has quickly become a favourite among culinary enthusiasts.

"I sincerely hope that foodies up and down the country can enjoy exploring the myriad of possibilities this paste offers. Northumbrian Pantry have published a number of recipes using the paste on their website and I would love to see peoples' own, unique interpretation should they care to post and tag us on social media," said Irini Tzortzoglou, creator of Irini's Spice Paste and MasterChef 2019 winner.

"We are overjoyed and deeply honoured to receive the Great Taste Award Star for Irini's Spice Paste. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication that went into creating this exceptional recipe by Irini. We are incredibly grateful for Irini's unwavering support and guidance throughout this journey. Her expertise and vision have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership, bringing exceptional flavours to our community," said Alice Murray, co-founder of Northumbrian Pantry.

What the judges had to say!

“This is a rich dark paste that could have a variety of uses in the kitchen. The flavour was fruity, followed by a warm and spicy finish. The level of heat was about right and was well-balanced. The texture was good – not  too smooth – and was enjoyed”.

“This is a very intriguing spice paste with sharpness and spice notes that are well-balanced. There is a moreish quality to this paste which we enjoyed – we can see it working in many different applications”.

A Partnership Rooted in Tradition and Quality

The journey of Irini's Spice Paste began three years ago when Alice and I met at the Harrogate Fine Food Show. Living in Cumbria, I was on the lookout for a local artisan producer who could share my vision and bring my unique spice paste to a broader audience. Northumbrian Pantry, located in Northumberland and known for its dedication to high-quality, small-batch production, was the perfect match.

My quest was driven by a desire to support local businesses and find a producer who could maintain the authenticity and intricate flavour profile of the spice paste. The paste requires the meticulous blending of 13 spices, concentrated tomato paste, and Cretan Olive Oil.

A Shared Culinary Heritage

Both Alice and I hail from rural backgrounds where cooking is central to family life, making our partnership a natural fit. Irini's Spice Paste is a contemporary rendition of the traditional Greek spice blend known as Spetsieriko, used in the Corfiot dish, Pastitsada. This dish typically features cockerel simmered in tomato sauce flavoured with a number of spices and to which pasta is added towards the end of cooking time. The warm and aromatic spices used add depth and character without overpowering the palate.

The Ingredients

The key to Irini's Spice Paste lies in its high-quality ingredients, starting with the finest extra virgin olive oil, which is of the highest quality available and crucial for enhancing the paste's rich and aromatic profile. The blend also includes tomato paste, dark brown sugar, red wine vinegar, salt, cinnamon, garlic, star anise, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, allspice, chilli, smoked paprika, cardamom, black pepper, and cloves.

Versatile and Adaptable

What makes Irini's Spice Paste truly special is its versatility. Originally inspired by the traditional Pastitsada, I discovered that just a teaspoon of the paste could transform a variety of dishes. Whether enhancing soups, casseroles, roasts, marinades, or dips, the paste adds a delightful Mediterranean twist to any meal

Join the Celebration

I invite you to celebrate this achievement with us by trying Irini's Spice Paste and sharing your culinary creations. Visit Northumbrian Pantry's website www.northumbrianpantry.com  or find Irini's Spice Paste at select retailers to experience its award-winning flavour.

About Northumbrian Pantry

Northumbrian Pantry is dedicated to crafting high-quality, small-batch artisanal products that celebrate local flavours and traditional methods. Based in Northumberland, they take pride in supporting their community and delivering exceptional taste experiences to their customers.

About Irini

Since winning MasterChef, Irini went on to publish her book Under The Olive Tree (recipes from my Greek Kitchen), trained as an olive oil sommelier, a honey sommelier, is a keynote speaker and has a regular feature 'Irini Eats' in Cumbria Life magazine.  Irini designs menus, recipes and leads culinary retreats in Greece and Morocco.

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