Tomato Sauce

While store bought tomato sauce is a fast and convenient way to throw together pasta meals and casseroles in a hurry, when it comes to making quality pasta dishes, it's better to make it yourself. Surprisingly, homemade tomato sauce doesn't take very long to assemble. Depending on your preferences, however, cooking time may vary. Here are a few tips on how to make your next pasta dish taste great.

Basic tomato sauce recipes consist largely of tomato paste, diced tomatoes, onions, and spices. This may seem like an overly simple way to make your own sauce, but many chefs see it as the perfect base for experimentation. The sheer amount of different spices, vegetables, meats, and types of pasta you can use can change this simple recipe into something complex and nuanced.

For example, some common spices to use in a tomato sauce recipe includes thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic, onion salt, sea salt, white pepper, basil leaves, bay leaves, and more. However, for a more exotic taste, why not try using cayenne pepper flakes to give your tomato sauce a bit spicier? Curry is another lovely spice that adds heat and a multitude of new flavors.

Tomato sauce complements a variety of vegetables. A few include carrots, broccoli, zucchini, squash, eggplant, pine nuts, and others. However, trying some uncommon vegetables in our tomato sauce can create some interesting textures. Why not try using fresh peas in your next pasta dish or yellow and white sweet corn? Tomato sauce naturally goes well with a variety of meats as well, including beef, veal, lamb, chicken, pork, sausage, shrimp, and lobster. In your next recipe, why not try vegan soy crumbles, duck, quail, squid, or sardines for a new taste?

Finally, the pasta you use for your tomato sauce can create a wealth of different tastes and textures. Did you know there are flavored pastas? These include tomato or spinach. Not only are these delicious, but they add color and depth to your recipe that wouldn't exist otherwise. Corkscrew pasta, ziti, or ravioli also create a wealth of interesting textures. Each pasta has its own unique, subtle flavor as well.

These are only a few things to consider when making your tomato sauce. Regardless of your choices, you will be able to rest easy in the knowledge that you're making your pasta truly unique and interesting. Learn more today about how you can make your pasta dishes unforgettable!

Spaghetti Sauces

When it comes to spaghetti sauces, there are a variety of different techniques you can use to make new tastes and textures. Whether you're a stickler for creating old favorites or you're fond of experimenting with different flavors, it's widely agreed that spaghetti sauces are a simple way to make a variety of meals much more interesting. Here are a few tips on how to make your own.

Spaghetti sauces fall into two main categories: cream sauces and tomato sauces. Cream sauces, such as Alfredo, tend to consist of cream,  butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, while tomato sauces are made from tomato paste, diced tomato paste, sautéed onions, and garlic. Some classic favorites are merely variations of these basic recipes.

When it comes to spaghetti sauces, it's widely agreed that the fresher your ingredients are, the better your sauce will taste. There is nothing quite like enjoying a sauce that's made from tomatoes from your own garden, freshly roasted garlic, and fresh mushrooms from the farmer's market. However, with produce prices growing higher every day, it might not be possible to indulge this way all of the time. Fortunately, there is nothing wrong with using powdered spices or canned vegetables.

What are some classic spaghetti sauces? Bolognese is a tomato sauce that consists of milk, pork, celery, carrots, and garlic. This results in a slightly creamier sauce that thickens nicely. Marinara, on the other hand, is a simple and delicious tomato sauce that consists of tomato paste, fresh basil, oregano, and garlic. Some include Parmesan cheese or finely ground meat as a way to add to the texture. This thick, spicy sauce is used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to fried eggplant, chicken cordon bleu, bread sticks, battered mushrooms, and more.

If you enjoy creating new dishes, there are plenty of ways you can make new spaghetti sauces for an unforgettable treat. For example, adding curry, wasabi, or cayenne pepper to conventional cream sauces results in a sweet, spicy, milky taste that complements crab, lobster, shrimp, and other sweet meats wonderfully. Other chefs use wine or vodka in their tomato sauces for a nuanced flavor. Some unusual meats and vegetables for tomato sauces include hot dogs, peas, squid, corn, scallops, and more.

These are only a few suggestions for making and altering spaghetti sauces. The best thing about tinkering with sauces is that they're relatively simple to make, so if you make a mistake, it's a simple matter to whip up another batch. With time and practice, you'll be able to create spaghetti with confidence. Learn more today!