Knowing how to make basic sauces can greatly enhance your cooking repertoire and add flavor to a wide range of dishes. For each of the following sauces practice makes perfect. You can get away with not knowing how to make these for a long time. But it’s a great idea to give it a shot! Allow yourself the room and time to make mistakes. Even Julia Child (look her up) wanted to give up from sauce experiment frustration!
1. Tomato Sauce (Marinara Sauce):
- Ingredients: Tomatoes (canned or fresh), onion, garlic, olive oil, herbs (basil, oregano), salt, pepper, sugar (optional).
- Use: Pasta dishes, pizzas, as a base for stews or casseroles.
2. Bechamel Sauce (White Sauce):
- Ingredients: Butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg (optional).
- Use: Base for creamy pasta dishes, lasagna, gratins, casseroles, and as a sauce for vegetables.
3. Hollandaise Sauce:
- Ingredients: Egg yolks, butter, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, cayenne pepper (optional).
- Use: Classic with eggs Benedict, asparagus, fish, and steamed vegetables.
4. Pesto Sauce:
- Ingredients: Fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt.
- Use: Pasta, sandwiches, as a dip, or as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables.
5. Basic Vinaigrette:
- Ingredients: Olive oil, vinegar (balsamic, red wine, apple cider), Dijon mustard, garlic (optional), salt, pepper.
- Use: Salad dressing, marinade for meats and vegetables.
6. Soy-Ginger Glaze/Sauce:
- Ingredients: Soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil (optional).
- Use: Stir-fries, marinades for chicken or fish, drizzling over vegetables or rice.
7. Barbecue Sauce:
- Ingredients: Ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, spices (paprika, chili powder, garlic powder), mustard (optional).
- Use: Grilled meats, sandwiches, as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
8. Teriyaki Sauce:
- Ingredients: Soy sauce, mirin or honey, sake or rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, brown sugar.
- Use: Stir-fries, marinades, glazing for grilled meats or seafood.
9. Caramel Sauce:
- Ingredients: Sugar, butter, heavy cream, salt.
- Use: Dessert topping for ice cream, cakes, pancakes, and fruits.
