How to thicken the sauce
The sauce is one of the fundamental elements of Italian cuisine, but often it happens to be too liquid and not very tasty. In this article we will see how to thicken the sauce in a simple and fast way, using common ingredients and effective cooking techniques.
Why thicken the sauce?
A too liquid sauce can ruin a dish, making it less tasty and less appetizing. In addition, a thick and creamy sauce is better suited for certain preparations, such as baked pasta or lasagna.
How to thicken the sauce: ingredients
There are several ingredients that can be used to thicken the sauce:
- Flour: flour is the most common ingredient for thickening the sauce. It can be added directly to the sauce or mixed with cold water before adding it to the sauce. The flour must be cooked for a few minutes to avoid a raw taste.
- Cornstarch: cornstarch is a very fine starch that dissolves easily in cold water. Added to hot sauce, it will make it thicker and more full-bodied.
- Breadcrumbs: breadcrumbs absorb the water present in the sauce and make it thicker. They are particularly suitable for meat sauces.
- Potatoes: potatoes can be cut into cubes and added to the sauce while cooking. Potatoes release starch during cooking, naturally thickening the sauce.
Choosing the right ingredients
To thicken the sauce, it is important to choose the right ingredients from the beginning. Here are some tips:
Use ripe tomatoes
Ripe tomatoes are rich in pectin, a natural substance that helps thicken the sauce. When buying tomatoes, look for those that are ripe at the right point: not too unripe and not too ripe.
Add leafy green vegetables
Leafy green vegetables like spinach and chard contain natural starches that can help thicken the sauce. Add them to the sauce to get a thicker and creamier result.
Use flour or cornstarch
If you want to thicken the sauce quickly and easily, you can use flour or cornstarch. Mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water until you get a homogeneous mixture. Add this mixture to the sauce and mix well. Let it cook over low heat for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remember to add the flour or cornstarch only when the sauce is still hot, otherwise an unwanted lumpiness may form.
- If you prefer a gluten-free sauce, use potato starch or rice flour instead of cornstarch.
Preparing the pot and the sauce
First of all, it is important to choose a large enough pot to contain all the ingredients of the sauce. In general, a pot with a diameter of at least 25 cm should be sufficient.
To prepare the sauce, you need fresh tomatoes or canned peeled tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil and salt. You can also add other spices such as black pepper, oregano or basil depending on your taste.
Steps to prepare the sauce:
- Start by cutting the onion into small cubes and finely chopping the garlic.
- Place a pot over medium-low heat and add some olive oil. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the tomatoes to the pot. If using fresh tomatoes, peel them first by immersing them in boiling water for a few minutes and then cooling them under running water. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes before adding them to the pot.
- Mix the ingredients well in the pot. Add your preferred spices such as salt, black pepper, oregano or basil. Mix again.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the sauce cook over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
If you want to further thicken the sauce, you can remove the lid during the last stage of cooking to allow excess water to evaporate. Alternatively, you can add a peeled and roughly chopped potato to the sauce while it is cooking. The potato will absorb excess water and help thicken the sauce.
Now that you've learned how to prepare the pot and sauce, you're ready for the next step: thickening the sauce!
Adding a thickener
After reducing the sauce, it may still be too liquid. In this case, it's necessary to add a thickener to thicken it up. There are different types of thickeners that can be used:
Flour or cornstarch
Flour and cornstarch are the most common thickeners used for sauces. To use them, mix the flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to create a smooth paste without lumps. Then, pour the paste into the hot sauce and stir well to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened.
Butter and flour
Butter and flour together form a roux, a mixture of fat and flour that can be used as a thickener for sauces. To prepare it, melt some butter in a pan and add sifted flour. Stir continuously until the mixture turns golden brown and then add it to the hot sauce. Mix well to prevent lumps from forming and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs can be used as a thickener for tomato-based sauces. Add a small amount of breadcrumbs to the hot sauce and stir well until the sauce has thickened.
Eggs
Eggs can be used as a thickener for meat or fish-based sauces. In this case, beat the eggs in a bowl and gradually add them to the hot sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened.
- To choose the right thickener, consider the type of sauce you're preparing and personal taste preferences.
- In general, it is better to add the binder gradually to avoid thickening the sauce too much.
- Remember that some binders can alter the flavor of the sauce, so it's important to taste it before serving.
- Reduce the sauce over low heat to make it thicker
- Add potatoes or breadcrumbs to the sauce during cooking to release starch
- Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce to thicken it
- Add a small piece of butter to creamy sauce to make it thicker and tastier
Tips for naturally thickening sauce
Adding flour or cornstarch to the sauce is not the only way to thicken it. There are also other natural tricks that can help you get a thick and creamy sauce without resorting to artificial ingredients.
1. Reduce the sauce
Reducing the sauce is one of the simplest ways to make it thicker and more concentrated. To do this, simply cook it over low heat for a while, so that the water evaporates and the sauce concentrates. This method works particularly well with tomato-based sauces.
2. Add potatoes or breadcrumbs
Potatoes are a great ingredient for naturally thickening sauce. Simply cut them into small cubes and add them to the sauce during cooking. Potatoes release starch that helps thicken the sauce. The same goes for breadcrumbs: add a handful of breadcrumbs to your sauce and let it cook until it thickens.
3. Use cornstarch
Cornstarch is a corn starch that can be used to naturally thicken sauce. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water until you get a smooth cream. Add the mixture to the sauce and let it cook until it thickens.
4. Use butter
Butter can be used to naturally thicken sauce, especially if you're making a creamy sauce. Add a small piece of butter to your sauce and stir until it melts completely. Butter helps thicken the sauce and also gives it a richer flavor.
In conclusion, there are many natural ways to thicken your sauce without using artificial ingredients. Try these tricks next time you prepare your favorite sauce and see how delicious it will be!
Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.
