Ways To Make Spaghetti Sauce Better
Spaghetti sauce is a staple in many households. It's a versatile sauce that can be used in various dishes, from pasta to lasagna. However, some spaghetti sauces can be quite bland and unappetizing. If you want to elevate your spaghetti sauce game, here are some ways to make spaghetti sauce better.
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
The first and most crucial step in making delicious spaghetti sauce is to use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices will give your sauce a more vibrant and robust flavor. Avoid using canned tomatoes or pre-packaged tomato sauce, as they can be quite bland. Instead, use fresh, ripe tomatoes, or canned tomatoes with no added preservatives or flavors. Fresh garlic and onions will also add more depth to your sauce.
2. Add Wine
Adding wine to your spaghetti sauce is an excellent way to give it a more complex flavor. Red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, will add a rich, earthy flavor to your sauce. White wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, will add a more delicate flavor. Be sure to cook off the alcohol before adding any other ingredients to the sauce, as the alcohol can overpower the other flavors.
3. Use Beef or Pork
Most spaghetti sauces are made with ground beef or ground turkey. However, using beef or pork chunks can add a lot more flavor to your sauce. Brown the meat in a separate pan before adding it to the sauce to give it a nice sear. The sear will help caramelize the meat's natural sugars, giving it a slightly sweet flavor.
4. Add Anchovies
Adding anchovies to your spaghetti sauce might seem like an odd choice, but it can add a lot of depth and umami flavor to your sauce. Anchovies are packed with natural glutamates, which are responsible for the savory or umami flavor in foods. Just add a few minced anchovies to your sauce, and you'll notice a significant difference in the flavor.
5. Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs are an excellent way to add more flavor to your spaghetti sauce. Basil and oregano are the most common herbs used in spaghetti sauce, but you can also add thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Be sure to add the herbs towards the end of the cooking process, as they can lose their flavor if cooked for too long.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese Rind
If you're using Parmesan cheese in your spaghetti sauce, don't throw away the rind. The rind is packed with flavor and can be added to the sauce while it's cooking. The rind will melt into the sauce, giving it a creamy, cheesy flavor. Be sure to remove the rind before serving the sauce.
7. Simmer for a Long Time
The longer you simmer your spaghetti sauce, the more flavorful it will become. Simmering the sauce for a long time will help the flavors meld together, creating a more complex and robust flavor. Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce is an art form, and there are many ways to make it better. By using fresh ingredients, adding wine, using beef or pork, adding anchovies, using fresh herbs, adding Parmesan cheese rind, and simmering the sauce for a long time, you can create a delicious and flavorful spaghetti sauce. So, the next time you make spaghetti sauce, try one or more of these tips and see if it doesn't make a significant difference in the taste.