Saveur Our secret weapon ingredient? Prunes

Photo: Murray Hall • Food Styling: Thu Buser

The secret ingredient you need in your pantry? California prunes. The underrated dried fruit isn’t just naturally nutritious, it brings subtle sweetness and luxurious texture to dishes all over the world, from Iran’s khoresh-e aloo esfenaj (lamb, prune, and spinach stew) to France’s Far Breton (prune custard cake). Used across many countries, cultures, and cuisines, prunes can add caramel and honey notes to sweet and savory recipes as well as body and moisture. They can just as easily be the MVP of your morning smoothie as your dinner party cheese board.

Prunes also pair well with so many different ingredients, including meats like beef, chicken, or pork and warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. They’re truly the Swiss army knife of the dried fruit world. Here are some unique ways to incorporate more prunes into your everyday cooking—and special occasion desserts.