Looking to elevate your tomato sauce game?
Well, look no further!
In this tantalizing guide, we’ll uncover a variety of ingenious methods to thicken your tomato sauce and transform it from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether you’re a culinary connoisseur or a kitchen novice, prepare to be amazed by the range of techniques at your disposal.
Brace yourself for a saucy adventure!
how to thicken tomato sauce
To thicken tomato sauce, there are several methods you can try.
One option is to let the sauce reduce by simmering it for a long time.
Another option is to add starch, such as making a cornstarch slurry or substituting arrowroot powder.
You can also thicken tomato sauce by adding mashed potatoes, instant potato flakes, or a roux made with butter and flour.
Other options include using breadcrumbs, shredded Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, or mashed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and onions.
Adding cream cheese, clear gel, leftover pasta water, meat, ground almonds, or lemon juice can also help thicken the sauce.
Key Points:
- Let the sauce reduce by simmering it for a long time.
- Add starch, such as cornstarch slurry or arrowroot powder.
- Use mashed potatoes, instant potato flakes, or a roux made with butter and flour.
- Try using breadcrumbs, shredded Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, or mashed vegetables.
- Consider adding cream cheese, clear gel, leftover pasta water, meat, ground almonds, or lemon juice.
how to thicken tomato sauce – Watch Video
💡
Pro Tips:
1. Tomato paste is a great natural thickening agent for tomato sauce. Just a tablespoon or two can lend a rich and velvety texture to your sauce.
2. Adding a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to your tomato sauce not only adds flavor but also helps to thicken it. The cheese contains proteins that aid in thickening the sauce and give it a delectable creamy quality.
3. Simmering basil leaves in your tomato sauce can help to thicken it while imparting a fresh and herbaceous flavor. The heat releases the natural starches present in the basil leaves, assisting in thickening the sauce.
4. To thicken tomato sauce without altering the flavor, you can use a small amount of cornstarch. Dissolve a teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water and then add it to the hot sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken gradually.
5. While reducing tomato sauce to thicken it is a common method, a lesser-known technique involves grating and adding raw potatoes to the sauce. The natural starch content in potatoes helps to thicken the sauce while also providing a smooth texture. Remember to remove the grated potatoes before serving the sauce.
1. Letting The Sauce Reduce By Simmering
Simmering tomato sauce is a classic method to naturally thicken it. By allowing the sauce to reduce over a longer period of time, the excess liquid evaporates, resulting in a thicker consistency. This technique not only concentrates the flavors but also creates a rich and velvety texture. To achieve the desired thickness, it is recommended to simmer the sauce for at least an hour or until it reaches your preferred consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
2. Adding Starch: Cornstarch Slurry
Cornstarch is a go-to starch for thickening sauces, including tomato sauce. To incorporate cornstarch, make a cornstarch slurry by combining equal parts cold water and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture until it forms a smooth paste. Next, gradually pour the slurry into the simmering tomato sauce while constantly stirring. Let the sauce cook for a few additional minutes to activate the thickening capabilities of the cornstarch.
3. Substituting Arrowroot Powder For Cornstarch
If you prefer to avoid cornstarch, arrowroot powder is a great alternative for thickening tomato sauce. Similar to cornstarch, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts arrowroot powder and cold water. Add this slurry to your sauce, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until it reaches the desired thickness.
Arrowroot powder has the added benefit of being a gluten-free thickening agent, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Arrowroot powder is a great alternative to cornstarch for thickening tomato sauce.
- Create a slurry by mixing equal parts arrowroot powder and cold water.
- Add the slurry to the sauce and simmer until desired thickness is reached.
- Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free thickening agent.
“Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free thickening agent, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.”
4. Adding Mashed Potatoes Or Instant Potato Flakes
Mashed potatoes or instant potato flakes can be surprisingly effective in thickening tomato sauce. The starch in the potatoes helps absorb excess moisture and adds a creamy texture to the sauce.
To incorporate mashed potatoes, simply mix them into the sauce while it’s simmering, adding small amounts at a time until the desired thickness is achieved.
Instant potato flakes can be added directly to the sauce, allowing them to dissolve and thicken it as it cooks.
5. Making A Roux With Butter And Flour
A roux is a classic French cooking technique used to thicken sauces and soups. To make a roux for tomato sauce, melt butter in a separate pan and add flour gradually, stirring continuously until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly incorporate the roux into the simmering tomato sauce, stirring well to prevent any clumps from forming. The flour in the roux acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a luscious consistency.
6. Using Breadcrumbs To Soak Up Water
Breadcrumbs can be an unexpectedly effective method for thickening tomato sauce. They serve as a sponge, absorbing excess liquid and aiding in the thickening process. To incorporate breadcrumbs, simply sprinkle them into the sauce while it simmers, ensuring they are evenly distributed. With time, the breadcrumbs will soften and break down, releasing their starch content. This starch contributes to the sauce’s desired thickness, resulting in a more appealing textural quality.
7. Adding Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Shredded Parmesan cheese is a flavorful addition to tomato sauce that can also thicken it. When the cheese melts into the sauce, it creates a creamy and slightly thicker consistency. Add a generous amount of shredded Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce and stir until it is fully melted. The result is a delectable sauce with a delightful cheesy aroma and a velvety mouthfeel.
8. Adding Cheese Early In The Cooking Process
To ensure a thick and creamy tomato sauce, consider adding cheese early in the cooking process. By incorporating cheese from the start, it has more time to melt and blend with the other ingredients, resulting in a richer and thicker sauce. Whether using Parmesan, cheddar, or even mozzarella, add the cheese to the sauce immediately after sautéing the aromatics. Allow it to slowly melt as the sauce simmers, stirring occasionally to ensure even distribution.
9. Adding Tomato Paste
One of the simplest and most effective ways to thicken tomato sauce is by adding tomato paste. Tomato paste is a highly concentrated form of tomatoes that has a thick consistency and intense flavor.
Simply stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste into your sauce and continue to simmer until the desired thickness is achieved. The tomato paste not only thickens the sauce but also enhances its tomato flavor, creating a more robust and hearty sauce.
10. Mixing Egg Yolk With Tomato Sauce
To achieve a rich and velvety texture, follow these steps:
- Separate an egg yolk from the egg white and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually pour some tomato sauce into the whisked egg yolk while continuously whisking to temper the yolk.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and stir well to ensure full incorporation.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens.
Remember, the key is to mix the egg yolk with the tomato sauce to enhance its texture.
Extra tips:
- Use fresh and quality ingredients for the best results.
- Experiment with different types of tomato sauce for variations in flavor.
- Adjust the amount of tomato sauce and egg yolk based on your desired consistency.
“The trick to achieving a velvety texture is the combination of whisked egg yolk and tomato sauce.”
11. Adding Mashed Vegetables
In addition to flavor enhancement, adding mashed vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, and onions can also help thicken tomato sauce. These vegetables bring a natural sweetness and a smooth texture while contributing to the sauce’s thickness.
Here’s how you can incorporate mashed vegetables into your tomato sauce:
- Cook the vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, and onions) until they are soft.
- Mash them with a fork or blend them into a smooth puree.
- Stir the mashed vegetables into the simmering tomato sauce.
- Continue cooking the sauce until the desired consistency is reached.
This technique adds depth of flavor, a touch of sweetness, and a velvety texture to your tomato sauce, making it even more delicious and versatile.
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Onions
12. Combining With Thicker Tomato Sauce
If you have a thinner tomato sauce that needs thickening, combine it with a pre-made thicker tomato sauce. This can be a store-bought pasta sauce or homemade sauce that has already achieved the desired thickness.
Mix the two sauces together in a pan and allow them to simmer for a while. As the sauces combine and cook, the thicker sauce will naturally thicken the thinner sauce and create a more consistent texture.
- Combine thinner tomato sauce with a pre-made thicker tomato sauce.
- Use either store-bought pasta sauce or homemade sauce.
- Mix the two sauces together in a pan.
- Allow them to simmer for a while.
As the sauces combine and cook, the thicker sauce will naturally thicken the thinner sauce and create a more consistent texture.
13. Adding Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is an unexpected yet effective ingredient for thickening tomato sauce. Its creamy texture and rich flavor contribute to a luxurious sauce. To incorporate cream cheese into tomato sauce, simply add a few dollops and stir well until it is completely melted and incorporated. The addition of cream cheese not only thickens the sauce, but also adds a velvety smoothness and a touch of tanginess.
- Add cream cheese to tomato sauce
- Stir well until fully melted and incorporated
14. Using Clear Gel To Thicken Sauce
Clear gel is a common commercial thickener that can also be used to thicken homemade tomato sauce. It is a flavorless powder that, when added to the sauce, creates a smooth and consistent thickness. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using clear gel, as the amount needed depends on the desired thickness and the specific brand.
To use clear gel as a thickener, mix it with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Then, pour the slurry into the simmering tomato sauce while stirring well. Continue to cook the sauce until the desired thickness is achieved.
15. Adding Leftover Pasta Water
Thickening Tomato Sauce with Leftover Pasta Water
One often-overlooked method for thickening tomato sauce is using leftover pasta water. When pasta is cooked, it releases starch into the boiling water, which can subsequently be used to thicken sauces.
To utilize this method:
* Cook the pasta as usual and save a cup or two of the pasta water before draining.
* Incorporate small amounts of the starchy pasta water into the simmering tomato sauce.
* Stir well after each addition to ensure proper mixing and thickening of the sauce.
* The starch in the pasta water will help bind the flavors and thicken the sauce.
This technique offers a simple and effective way to enhance the consistency of your tomato sauce, without the need for additional ingredients. Give it a try next time you want to create a thicker and more flavorful sauce!
16. Adding Meat To The Sauce
Adding various meats to tomato sauce not only introduces new flavors but can also contribute to a thicker consistency. Ground beef, Italian sausage, pork sausage, or stew meat can be browned and added to the sauce early in the cooking process. As the meat simmers in the sauce, it releases fat and natural gelatin, which helps thicken the sauce and enhance its overall richness.
• Various meats can be added to tomato sauce for added flavor and thickness.
• Ground beef, Italian sausage, pork sausage, or stew meat work well in tomato sauce.
• Browning the meat before adding it to the sauce enhances the depth of flavor.
• The fat and natural gelatin released from the meat as it simmers help thicken the sauce.
• This technique can enhance the overall richness of the tomato sauce.
“Adding different meats to tomato sauce not only introduces new flavors but also contributes to a thicker consistency.”
17. Using Ground Almonds To Thicken Sauce
For those seeking gluten-free options or a unique twist on thickening tomato sauce, ground almonds can be an excellent choice. Almond flour, which is simply ground almonds, can be mixed with a small amount of water to create a paste. Incorporate this paste into the simmering tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. As the almonds break down, they release their natural oils which help thicken the sauce and add a subtle nuttiness.
- Ground almonds can be used as a gluten-free thickening agent for tomato sauce.
- Almond flour is made by grinding almonds into a fine powder.
- Mix almond flour with water to create a paste and add it to the simmering tomato sauce.
- Stir well to ensure proper distribution of the almond paste.
- The natural oils released from the almonds will thicken the sauce and impart a nutty flavor.
“Incorporating ground almonds into tomato sauce can give it a delightful twist, adding a gluten-free thickening agent and a subtle nuttiness.”
18. Adding Lemon Juice To Thicken Sauce
A surprising yet effective method for thickening tomato sauce is by adding a small amount of lemon juice. The acidity in the lemon juice reacts with the natural pectin present in the tomatoes, resulting in a thicker sauce. Half a lemon is typically sufficient for a large pan of sauce. Squeeze the lemon juice into the sauce, stir well, and continue simmering until the desired thickness is achieved. Be cautious not to add too much lemon juice, as it can alter the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
- Add a small amount of lemon juice to thicken tomato sauce
- The acidity in the lemon juice reacts with the natural pectin in tomatoes, resulting in a thicker sauce
- Half a lemon is usually enough for a large pan of sauce
- Stir well and simmer until desired thickness is reached
- Be cautious not to add too much lemon juice to avoid altering the flavor of the sauce
Note: Experiment with these techniques to find the ideal thickness and flavor that enhances your favorite tomato-based dishes.
💡
You may need to know these questions about how to thicken tomato sauce
How do you make tomato sauce less watery?
If you find your tomato sauce to be too watery, one way to thicken it is by adding either tomato paste or tomato sauce. By incorporating a tablespoon or two of tomato paste or a can of tomato sauce, you not only enrich the sauce with a robust tomato flavor but also help to reduce its watery consistency to some extent. These additions contribute to the desired thickness without compromising the overall taste of the sauce.
What can I do if my tomato sauce is too thin?
If your tomato sauce is too thin, consider adding a small amount of grated parmesan cheese. The cheese will not only add a savory flavor to the sauce but also act as a natural thickening agent. Alternatively, you can cook the sauce uncovered on low heat for a longer period of time to evaporate some of the liquid and concentrate the flavors, resulting in a thicker consistency.
How do you thicken tomato sauce without tomato paste?
One alternative method to thicken tomato sauce without tomato paste is by using a roux. To make a roux, melt equal parts of butter and flour in a saucepan, then gradually add the sauce to the mixture, stirring continuously until desired thickness is achieved. Another option is to incorporate a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese, which not only enriches the flavor but also helps to thicken the sauce naturally. Additionally, adding a slurry made of equal parts cornstarch and water to the simmering sauce can provide a quick and effective thickening solution.
How do you thicken tomato pasta sauce without cornstarch?
If you’re looking to thicken tomato pasta sauce without using cornstarch, you can turn to all-purpose wheat flour as an alternative. Instead of using cornstarch, you can use three tablespoons of flour for every tablespoon of cornstarch required. Simply mix the raw flour with cold water to create a paste, and then slowly add it into the sauce as it simmers. The flour paste will help thicken the sauce and give it a smooth and velvety texture without the use of cornstarch. Enjoy your now thickened tomato pasta sauce!
Reference source
https://www.thequickjourney.com/14-ways-to-thicken-tomato-sauce/
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-thicken-spaghetti-sauce-explained
https://izzycooking.com/how-to-thicken-spaghetti-sauce/
https://cloveandcumin.com/how-to-thicken-spaghetti-sauce-without-paste/
