Cooking is one of the most satisfying and rewarding processes that can be done. By experimenting with different flavor combinations, spices, and even textures, you can easily expand your palette and enjoy a range of unique dishes. One essential recipe that is worth getting right and prepping ahead of time is tomato sauce.
It can be the base for so many dishes like spaghetti sauce, tomato soup, lasagna, or adding to a pizza. If you are looking to improve your skills in the kitchen, then a great place to start is to focus on cutting acidity in tomato sauces. These are some ways that you can create the best tasting tomato sauce that can be used in many recipes.
Roast The Tomatoes
Firstly, it is worth using roasted tomatoes when you are making your tomato sauce. This is an effective way of adding more flavor and additional depth to your sauce and any dish that it is being used in. By preparing the tomatoes by roasting them, even in the broiler, the sauce that you cook is likely to have a slight sweet taste.
The process of roasting tomatoes is similar to using tomatoes that are riper. It works as a faster way of creating a fresh taste and sweetness that is unique to ripe tomatoes. Even if you are using tinned tomatoes, you can roast them before use in order to create a deeper flavor in your tomato sauce.
Add A Little Butter
Another way that you can integrate a deeper flavor into your tomato sauce is by adding a little butter. There is a richness that is achieved in this way that makes the sauce come together a little more. By adding a pat of butter to your sauce, you can really elevate the dish on the whole.
The sauce becomes more decadent and velvety, which is ideal in any recipe. Consider adding a little butter to your tomato sauce if you are trying to impress dinner guests or if you want to show off your culinary skills.
Don’t Be Scared Of Anchovies
In contrast to popular belief, anchovies will not make your sauce taste fishy. They can, however, help bring a rich umami flavor to your sauce. In turn, this can give your go-to tomato sauce recipe a real level up.
Add 1-2 fillets or a little anchovy paste the next time you are preparing your sauce, and enjoy the difference in flavor for yourself. By balancing the flavors in terms of acidic and sweetness, anchovies are undeniably a secret ingredient that can elevate your cooking.
Use Wine
Another way of adding a rich flavor to your tomato sauce is to use wine. Red or white work great in tomato sauce, and each of these can add another element of flavor to your cooking. White wine tends to bring out the fruity flavors and aromas of tomato sauce, while red wine can add robustness and richness to any dish.
The complex flavors which are achieved during the wine making process can be used to create a completely unique tasting tomato sauce which leaves your guests wondering what that secret ingredient is.
Add The Parmesan Rind
Try to avoid the temptation to neglect the Parmesan rind when you are preparing your tomato sauce. This can add a great deal of rich flavor, and it is edible. If you are running low on cheese for your favorite tomato sauce, why not throw in the rind that is left at the end of a Parmesan wedge?
There is a surprising amount of flavor that can be found in this part of the cheese, and it is worth adding to your tomato sauce. While most of the cheese on the rind will melt during the cooking process, it is common for some to be left behind. Make sure that this is being removed at the end before serving or using.
There are a surprising number of ingredients that can elevate a dish and bring out a unique flavor. This is especially true when it comes to preparing tomato sauce. From roasting the tomatoes beforehand to bring out their natural sweetness, to adding some anchovies, tomato sauce is easy to prepare and experiment with the balance of flavors and sweetness.
If you are looking for a way to work on your culinary skills, then tomato sauce is an incredibly useful recipe to master. Consider getting the basics right before experimenting with more complex dishes.
