Are you a fan of the convenience of jarred vodka sauce, but find yourself wanting to add a little something extra to it?
Look no further! With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your jarred vodka sauce to new heights of flavor. Whether you prefer a little heat, some added creaminess, or a touch of brightness, there are plenty of options to choose from.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 different ingredients you can add to your jarred vodka sauce to make it even more delicious. So grab a jar of your favorite vodka sauce and let’s get cooking!
What To Add To Vodka Sauce From A Jar?
1. Garlic: Add some minced garlic to give the sauce a savory flavor.
2. Onion: Finely diced onion adds a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor.
3. Red pepper flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes.
4. Dried herbs: Add dried basil, oregano, or thyme for a herby flavor.
5. Fresh herbs: Chop up fresh herbs like basil or parsley and add them to the sauce.
6. Parmesan cheese: Grate some Parmesan cheese for a nutty flavor.
7. Ricotta cheese: Add some ricotta cheese to make the sauce creamier.
8. Cream cheese: Mix in some cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
9. Sour cream: Stir in some sour cream to give the sauce a tangy flavor.
10. Lemon juice: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity and brightness.
11. Capers: Add capers for a salty, briny flavor.
12. Olives: Chopped olives add richness and depth of flavor.
13. Anchovies: For umami flavor, add chopped anchovies.
14. Pancetta or bacon: Diced pancetta or bacon adds smoky, salty flavor.
15. Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and depth of flavor.
Adding Heat: Spices And Peppers To Spice Up Your Sauce
If you’re looking to add some heat to your jarred vodka sauce, there are several spices and peppers that you can use. One popular option is red pepper flakes, which can be added to taste for a spicy kick. However, if you want to experiment with different types of peppers, there are plenty of options available.
Jalapeno peppers are a great choice for adding heat to your sauce. Simply chop them up and add them to the sauce while it’s cooking. If you’re looking for something with a bit more heat, try using serrano peppers instead.
For those who want to go even hotter, habanero peppers are a popular choice. However, be warned that these peppers are extremely spicy and should be used sparingly. If you’re not sure how much to use, start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Another option is to use dried chili peppers. These can be rehydrated in hot water before being added to the sauce. Some popular varieties include ancho, guajillo, and chipotle peppers.
In addition to peppers, there are also several spices that can be used to add heat and flavor to your sauce. Cumin, coriander, and paprika are all good options that can help balance out the spiciness of the peppers.
When adding spices and peppers to your sauce, it’s important to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that a little goes a long way when it comes to heat, so start with small amounts and add more gradually until you achieve the desired level of spiciness.
Creamy Additions: How To Make Your Vodka Sauce Richer And More Decadent
If you’re looking to take your jarred vodka sauce to the next level, there are several creamy additions you can make to create a richer and more decadent sauce. Here are some ideas:
1. Heavy cream: Adding heavy cream to your vodka sauce will make it velvety and rich. It also helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
2. Butter: A pat of butter will add a luxurious richness to your sauce.
3. Yogurt: Adding a spoonful of yogurt will give your sauce a tangy flavor and a creamy texture.
4. Crème fraiche: Similar to yogurt, crème fraiche adds a tangy flavor and a silky texture to your sauce.
5. Mascarpone: This Italian cream cheese is perfect for adding richness and creaminess to your vodka sauce.
6. Cream cheese: Mixing in some cream cheese will make the sauce even richer and creamier.
7. Sour cream: Stirring in some sour cream will give the sauce a tangy flavor and a creamy texture.
8. Half and half: If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half and half instead for a lighter but still creamy sauce.
Remember, when adding creamy ingredients, it’s important to stir constantly and not let the sauce boil, as this can cause the dairy to curdle. With these additions, you can transform your jarred vodka sauce into a decadent and delicious meal.
Brighten It Up: Adding Citrus And Herbs To Your Vodka Sauce
If you’re looking to add a fresh twist to your jarred vodka sauce, consider adding citrus and herbs. The acidity of citrus pairs perfectly with the richness of the sauce, while herbs add a burst of freshness and flavor. Here are some ideas to try:
1. Lemon zest: Grate some lemon zest into the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
2. Lemon juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the sauce for a tangy kick.
3. Orange zest: For a sweeter twist, try adding orange zest.
4. Basil: Chopped fresh basil leaves add a sweet, slightly peppery flavor.
5. Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor.
6. Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves add earthy, floral notes.
7. Oregano: Dried or fresh oregano adds a slightly bitter, robust flavor.
8. Tarragon: Fresh tarragon leaves add a subtle anise-like flavor.
9. Rosemary: Chopped fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, pine-like flavor.
By adding these citrus and herb flavors to your vodka sauce, you can elevate its taste and impress your dinner guests with minimal effort. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match!
Vegetables And Proteins: How To Add Nutrients And Texture To Your Jarred Vodka Sauce
If you’re looking to add more nutrients and texture to your jarred vodka sauce, there are plenty of options to choose from. Vegetables like spinach, pureed carrots, squash, zucchini, or cauliflower can be added to the sauce for a boost of nutrition and flavor. You can also add protein of your choice like chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
To elevate the flavor profile of your sauce, you can sautee some garlic in olive oil and toss in other vegetables like diced onions, chopped peppers, and chopped carrots. Adding fresh veggies will not only give you a hearty and flavorful sauce but also provide extra nutrients.
For a cheesy flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese or even ricotta cheese to make the sauce creamier. If you prefer a tangy taste, stirring in some sour cream can do the trick. You can also mix in some cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
For those who like a bit of heat, adding some red pepper flakes can give the sauce a spicy kick. Alternatively, adding capers, olives or chopped anchovies can give it a salty and briny flavor.
If you’re looking for a smoky and salty taste, diced pancetta or bacon can be added to the sauce. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes can also add sweetness and depth of flavor to your jarred vodka sauce.
