When it comes to cooking, sauces are the true artists of flavour. They can transform a simple dish into a gourmet masterpiece. But often we are tempted to reach for ready-made sauces, whereas making sauces yourself is not only easy, but also much more satisfying and flavourful. So let’s put on our aprons and dive into the kitchen to discover how to make a variety of sauces for dishes ourselves.
Classic tomato sauce
Tomato sauce is the base for countless dishes, from pasta to pizza. To make a delicious homemade tomato sauce, fry chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Then add diced tomatoes, tomato puree, a pinch of sugar, salt, pepper and dried herbs like basil and oregano. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavours come together.
Creamy mushroom sauce
This silky sauce is perfect for accompanying meat, fish or vegetables. Start by frying sliced mushrooms in butter until golden brown. Then add some flour to form a roux, slowly pour in milk or cream and keep stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper and a touch of nutmeg for extra flavour.
Spicy Sriracha mayo
This sauce adds a kick to sandwiches, burgers or as a dip for chips. Simply mix mayonnaise with Sriracha sauce to taste. Add a dash of lime juice for a refreshing contrast. Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your tolerance for spiciness.
Classic pesto
Pesto is an Italian classic perfect for brightening up pasta, salads or as a seasoning for grilled vegetables. Blend fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic and olive oil in a food processor until a smooth paste forms. Season with salt and pepper and add some lemon juice if desired for a fresh touch.
Honey mustard sauce
This sweet-and-spicy sauce is a great addition to chicken, pork or as a dressing for salads. Mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard, add a dash of vinegar and slowly whisk in olive oil until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.
Goulash sauce
Mix chopped onions, peppers and garlic and fry until soft. Then add tomato puree, paprika, caraway seeds, a pinch of cumin and a dash of stock. Simmer slowly and add the meat. Simmer until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper and add a dash of vinegar for a slight sourness if desired.
Stew sauce
Mix chopped onions, carrots and celery and fry until soft. Then add flour to form a roux and slowly pour beef stock or red wine into the pan, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper and dried herbs such as thyme and rosemary.
With these additions to our arsenal of homemade sauces, you are ready to take any meal to the next level. So get to work, start making these sauces yourself and… enjoy!