Having a few homemade sauces in the fridge is a game changer for any kitchen. They not only add taste to your meals, but they also go well with a range of cuisines. Homemade sauces allow you to tailor the flavors to your preferences, resulting in a perfect match for your taste buds. Furthermore, they are a better alternative to store-bought options because you can manage the contents and avoid needless additives and preservatives.
Sweet Mustard Sauce
In my kitchen, I have a sweet and spicy South African sauce that has endured the test of time. This delectable dish, passed down through generations, has been shared by my mother-in-law, but its origin is a mystery found in many recipe books.
Ingredients
397g Condensmilk
5 teaspoons Mustard powder (I like the Colman's brand)
60ml White vinegar
Pinch of salt and white pepper
3 teaspoons Butter, melted
Method
Add the condensmilk, mustard powder, vinegar, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl and with you hand mixer blend till smooth.
With mixer still running, add your butter and incorporate.
French Salad Dressing
Making a batch of homemade French dressing is like adding a bit of culinary sophistication to your regular salads. This classic mixture is packed with bright tastes, including the tanginess of Dijon mustard, the sweetness of honey, and the aromatic embrace of herbs and spices.
Ingredients
60ml White vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Honey
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Dried herbs of your choice
Pinch black pepper
Pinch garlic powder
100ml Sunflower oil
75ml Olive oil
Method
Add the vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic powder to a mixing bowl, whisk to combine.
While whisking slowly add both the oils till incorporated.
Barbecue Sauce
Homemade BBQ sauce stands out for its adaptable tastes produced with fresh, high-quality ingredients that are free of preservatives. The procedure not only allows for adaptation, but it also adds a touch of culinary imagination to your kitchen. Each batch allows you to integrate unique local flavors, resulting in a sauce that adds an original, homemade touch to your barbecued dishes.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Tomato sauce
1/2 cup Red wine vinegar
1/2 cup Brown sugar, firmly packed
3 tablespoons Wholegrain mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoon Honey
Pinch Salt & Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Paprika
4 tablespoon Water
Method
Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes then take off the heat and cool down before using.
You can store this in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Basil Pesto
Homemade basil pesto is a must-have in your refrigerator due to its vivid and flexible nature. This aromatic sauce adds an instant burst of flavor to a wide range of foods. Whether tossed with spaghetti, spread on sandwiches, or used as a delectable topping, the handcrafted touch provides a rich and herbaceous flavor that improves your food. Keeping this basil pesto on hand ensures a quick and delicious enhancement to your daily culinary efforts.
Ingredients
4 cups Basil leaves
2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup Toasted Pine nuts
2 Garlic cloves, crushed
1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Sunflower/Olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Method
Place the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice and parmesan, in a food processor. Process the ingredients until the mixture is a fine paste. Season with salt and pepper.
To emulsify the mixture, with the motor running, gradually add the oil in a thin, steady stream until well combined.
Store the pesto in the fridge for up to two weeks if placed in an airtight container and covered with a layer of oil.
Stir Fry Sauce
Having a homemade stir-fry sauce in your fridge is a game-changer for quick and flavorful meals. Its convenience allows you to elevate the taste of stir-fried meats and vegetables effortlessly. With a jar of this sauce ready to go, you can transform ordinary ingredients into delicious stir-fry dishes in no time, adding a burst of homemade goodness to your daily cooking routine.
Ingredients
150ml Low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons Sesame oil
2 teaspoons Rice vinegar
3 tablespoons Honey
3 Garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
1 tablespoon Lime juice
1/2 teaspoon Chili flakes
Method
Simply combine all the ingredients in a glass jar, seal it with the lid, and give it a good shake. This versatile concoction serves as a flavorful stir-fry sauce, perfect for enhancing the taste of meat, chicken, or vegetables.