Going Beyond Ketchup
Condiments and sauces are added to a dish near the end of or after cooking to help bring out the best of your dish. Ketchup, gravy and hot sauce come to mind for many when we talk about condiments and sauces, but there are so many other choices.
Next time you want a sauce to complement your meal, raid your pantry to see what you can make at home. Many sauces and condiments can be made with items you already have in your pantry like mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, herbs and spices.
Tips:
- Most sauces and condiments need to rest for 20 minutes before serving to let the flavours even out.
- Homemade sauces should be kept in the refrigerator when they aren’t in use.
- Most sauces you make at home needs to be used within four days unless specified differently on the recipe.
- If you are having an outdoor event, it’s essential to keep your sauces and condiments cold. Keeping them in a container of ice is one way you can do this.
- Two hours is the most time a sauce or condiment can be kept out of the refrigerator. After two hours, they need to be discarded.
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Mayo Based and Creamy Sauces
These cream sauces are often made with yogurt or blue cheese and will add a delicious tangy flavour.
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MediumHorseradish Aioli
This flavoured mayo packs a lot of punch. Seasoned with garlic, horseradish, Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar, it’s great with French fries, dolloped on fish or with roast beef.
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EasyTraditional Raita
Raita is a traditional Indian condiment designed to cool down hot curry dishes. Make your own by combining yogurt with cilantro, cucumber and spices.
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MediumGreek Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a yogurt and cucumber-based condiment, typically used in Greek cuisine. Spread it on a wrap sandwich or use it as a dip with meat skewers or pita chips.
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Fresh Flavours
Using fresh herbs will kick your toppings up a notch.
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EasyGuacamole with Cilantro
This Mexican avocado dip is packed with fresh and flavourful cilantro. Serve it with tortilla chips or as a condiment to go with tacos, fajitas or other Mexican fare.
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EasyAsparagus with gremolata butter
Gremolata is a blend of parsley, lemon and garlic. Combined with butter, it makes the perfect dressing for a steamed asparagus side dish.
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EasyChimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri is a South American condiment full of fresh chopped herbs. Serve it with our Gaucho Ribs, steak or other grilled meat.
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Vinegar Based
Add some zip with these delicious homemade condiments.
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DifficultPickled Beets
Prolong the life of the beets from your garden by pickling them. These preserved beets are great on salad, as a condiment or on their own straight out of the jar.
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EasyA Duo of Mustards
Two mustards are better than one, especially when they’re this easy to make. Pass this pair of homemade mustards around at your next barbecue and see which one your guests prefer.
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MediumGrilled Vegetable Freezer Relish
Make your own relish with delicious savoury grilled vegetables simply in the freezer!
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Tomato Based
If you love contrasting flavours, then you will love these sweet and savoury sauces.
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EasyApricot Barbecue Sauce
Sweet and sticky apricot jam is an ideal addition to this easy homemade barbecue sauce. Brush it on chicken or ribs before grilling or, smear it on a hamburger bun in place of ketchup.
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EasySriracha Dipping Sauce
This versatile dipping sauce is made with sweet and spicy sriracha sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, honey and ginger. Use it as a dip for chicken, shrimp or anything else that could use a bit of spicing up.
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EasyTomato Rhubarb Compote
We made this fruit sauce sweet and savoury by combining tomatoes and rhubarb with fresh rosemary. Serve this flavourful compote on waffles, pancakes or French toast.
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Add one of these to your next meal:
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MediumHollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce is best made fresh and used immediately. Serve this classic sauce with poached eggs, fresh asparagus, boiled potatoes or with anything else that could use a touch of richness.
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EasyPeanut Sauce
Put together your own Asian-style peanut sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, fresh ginger and onion. This sauce is great on chicken skewers or Thai-inspired fare.
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MediumBaba Ghanoush
Baba Ghanoush is a popular Middle Eastern puréed eggplant dip. Use it as a dip or spread it on a pita sandwich.