Are you tired of watery spaghetti sauce ruining your meal?
Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to thicken your sauce and make it more flavorful.
While some may suggest using tartar sauce or cream of tartar, these ingredients are not recommended for thickening sauce.
However, there are other pantry staples and techniques you can use to achieve the perfect consistency for your spaghetti sauce.
In this article, we will explore some easy and effective ways to thicken your sauce and elevate the taste of your pasta dish.
So, let’s get started!
How To Thicken Spaghetti Sauce With Cream Of Tartar?
First and foremost, it’s important to note that cream of tartar is not a recommended ingredient for thickening spaghetti sauce. While it can be used in cooking to change the consistency of food, it is not effective for thickening sauce.
So, what can you use instead? One option is to use a cornstarch slurry. Simply combine equal parts water and cornstarch (start with 1/4 cup each) and whisk until smooth. Then, stir the mixture into your sauce and let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Another option is to use mashed potatoes. Boil some potatoes and mash them up, then add them to your simmering sauce. The starch in the potatoes will help thicken the sauce while also adding more flavor. Be sure to add the mashed potatoes slowly and stir constantly to avoid clumping.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try adding an egg yolk to your spaghetti sauce. Whisk one egg yolk in a mixing bowl with 1/2 cup of hot sauce until you get a smooth mixture. Then, add it to your spaghetti sauce while continuously whisking and let it simmer for a minute without boiling.
Other pantry staples that can be used to thicken spaghetti sauce include flour, arrowroot powder, and grated cheese. Simply mix these ingredients with a small amount of water or broth before adding them to your sauce.
Why Cream Of Tartar Is Not Recommended For Thickening Spaghetti Sauce
Cream of tartar is not recommended for thickening spaghetti sauce because it doesn’t have the necessary properties to thicken a liquid. Cream of tartar is actually an acidic byproduct of wine production and is commonly used in baking as a stabilizer for egg whites or as a leavening agent. While it may be tempting to use cream of tartar as a thickening agent due to its availability in most kitchens, it won’t do much to thicken your spaghetti sauce.
Cream of tartar does not have the ability to absorb liquids like cornstarch or flour, nor does it have the starch content of mashed potatoes. It also doesn’t have any binding properties like arrowroot powder. Therefore, adding cream of tartar to your spaghetti sauce will not thicken it and may even change the flavor profile in an undesirable way.
Pantry Staples For Thickening Spaghetti Sauce
When it comes to thickening spaghetti sauce, there are several pantry staples that can come in handy. One of the most popular options is cornstarch, which is a fine powder made from corn. It is easy to find in most grocery stores and can be used to thicken sauces without altering the flavor too much. To use cornstarch, simply mix it with water to create a slurry and then add it to your sauce. Be sure to stir constantly as the sauce thickens to prevent clumping.
Another option is mashed potatoes. Boil some potatoes and mash them up, then add them to your simmering sauce. The starch in the potatoes will help thicken the sauce while also adding more flavor. Be sure to add the mashed potatoes slowly and stir constantly to avoid clumping.
Flour is another common ingredient used for thickening sauces, including spaghetti sauce. However, it can alter the taste of the sauce slightly. To use flour, simply create a roux by melting butter in a pan and whisking in flour until it forms a paste. Then, slowly add your sauce while whisking constantly until it thickens.
Arrowroot powder is another option that can be used as a thickener for spaghetti sauce. It is similar to cornstarch but has a smoother texture and is less likely to clump. To use arrowroot powder, mix it with water or broth before adding it to your sauce.
Grated cheese can also be used as a thickener for spaghetti sauce. Simply add grated cheese to your simmering sauce and stir until it melts and thickens the sauce.
Techniques For Thickening Spaghetti Sauce
Thickening spaghetti sauce can be achieved through various techniques. One common method is to reduce the sauce by simmering it for a longer period of time, allowing some of the moisture to evaporate and resulting in a thicker consistency. However, this can also intensify the flavors and may not be suitable for all types of sauces.
Another technique is to use a thickener such as cornstarch or mashed potatoes. As mentioned earlier, a cornstarch slurry can be made by combining equal parts water and cornstarch and whisking until smooth. The mixture can then be added to the sauce and simmered until it thickens. Mashed potatoes can also be added to the sauce for a similar effect, but should be added slowly and stirred constantly to avoid clumping.
For those who are not gluten-free, flour can also be used as a thickener. A roux can be made by combining equal parts fat and all-purpose flour, then whisking in 2 ounces for every cup of liquid. Alternatively, a slurry can be made by mixing raw flour with water and adding it to the sauce.
Egg yolk and grated cheese are also options for thickening spaghetti sauce. Whisking an egg yolk with hot sauce and adding it to the spaghetti sauce while continuously whisking can result in a creamy texture. Grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Romano, can be added towards the end of cooking and stirred until melted for added thickness and flavor.
It’s important to note that each thickener may affect the taste and texture of the sauce differently, so experimentation may be necessary to find the desired result. Additionally, it’s recommended to add any thickener slowly and in small amounts while continuously stirring to avoid clumping or altering the flavor too drastically.
Tips For Achieving The Perfect Consistency In Spaghetti Sauce
Achieving the perfect consistency in spaghetti sauce can be a tricky task, but with a few tips and tricks, it can be easily accomplished. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect texture:
1. Start with a good-quality sauce: The key to a thick and flavorful sauce is selecting the right ingredients. Choose a good-quality pasta and tomato paste or crushed tomatoes. For added flavor, consider adding garlic, onion, herbs, capers, olives, or cheese.
2. Let it simmer: Generally, the longer you let the flavors marry, the better. Once things are cooked, let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes but for several hours if you have the time. Doing this basically turns the volume up on your sauce, concentrating flavors and making the whole thing sing far louder than most store-bought sauces.
3. Add pasta water: Starchy pasta water doesn’t just help thin the sauce to the right consistency; it also helps it cling to the pasta better and emulsify with the fat and cheese you’re going to be adding. No matter what sauce you’re making—whether it’s a chunky marinara or a simple carbonara—it should acquire a creamy texture that clings to the noodles.
4. Use cornstarch slurry: One option is to use a cornstarch slurry. Simply combine equal parts water and cornstarch (start with 1/4 cup each) and whisk until smooth. Then, stir the mixture into your sauce and let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Try mashed potatoes: Boil some potatoes and mash them up, then add them to your simmering sauce. The starch in the potatoes will help thicken the sauce while also adding more flavor.
6. Use an egg yolk: Whisk one egg yolk in a mixing bowl with 1/2 cup of hot sauce until you get a smooth mixture. Then, add it to your spaghetti sauce while continuously whisking and let it simmer for a minute without boiling.
By following these tips, you can easily achieve that perfect consistency in your spaghetti sauce without compromising on flavor or quality.
Flavorful Additions To Enhance Your Spaghetti Sauce
While thickening your spaghetti sauce is important, it’s also essential to add flavorful ingredients that can enhance the taste of your sauce. Here are some delicious additions that you can try:
1. Fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme can give your spaghetti sauce a burst of flavor. Chop up some fresh herbs and add them to your sauce towards the end of the cooking process.
2. Red wine: A splash of red wine can add depth and complexity to your spaghetti sauce. Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and add it to your sauce while it’s simmering.
3. Meat: If you prefer a meaty spaghetti sauce, consider adding ground beef, sausage, or meatballs to your sauce. Brown the meat first before adding it to the sauce and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Vegetables: Adding vegetables like onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms can give your spaghetti sauce a rich and savory taste. You can sauté these vegetables separately before adding them to the sauce or simply chop them up and add them directly.
5. Anchovies: While not everyone is a fan of anchovies, they can add a salty umami flavor to your spaghetti sauce. Mash up some anchovy fillets and add them to your sauce while it’s simmering.
By incorporating these flavorful additions into your spaghetti sauce, you can create a dish that is not only thick and hearty but also bursting with delicious taste.
