We all know that sauces are a staple in the culinary world due to their versatility and ease of use. From the tangy flavor of marinara sauce, which serves as the base of various dishes, to the rich and sweet tomato sauce, cooking aficionados can significantly enhance the flavor profile of any dish. But what if your sauce becomes too watery and does not look like a sauce at all? Don’t panic; we have got you covered. You can easily thicken your homemade tomato sauce delight, so it makes a perfect base for many recipes, from pizza to pasta and soup. So, let’s learn about the 8 ways to achieve the desired consistency of tomato sauce.
1. Slow Cooking to Thicken Tomato Sauce
There are numerous ways to thicken up the tomato sauce, so if you are thinking about how to do it, the first method would be simmering. You can thicken homemade tomato sauce using the simmering method. Believe me, slow cooking the sauce is the easiest and most organic technique to thicken the sauce. The water evaporates in the sauce simmers, leaving behind a thicker sauce.
- How to do it: To increase surface area and expedite the evaporation process, pour your tomato sauce into a wide, deep pan. Simmer the sauce on low heat, stirring from time to time to avoid scorching. This procedure can take several hours or as long as thirty minutes, depending on how thick your sauce was in the beginning.
2. Tomato Paste to Thicken the Sauce
Let me tell you an amazing fact about tomato sauce: it is most commonly referred to as spaghetti sauce. You can thicken the homemade tomato watery sauce using tomato paste. Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that works well as a thickening agent for tomato-based sauces.
- How to do it: Stir thoroughly to mix 1-2 teaspoons of tomato paste into your homemade spaghetti sauce. To get the desired consistency and mix the flavors, cook for a further 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Roux
If you are looking for ways to thicken spaghetti sauce without tomato paste, Roux is here to the rescue. Without significantly changing its flavor, you can thicken your spaghetti sauce by cooking a mixture of flour and fat (called a roux).
- How to do it: Melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a separate pan. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture is light brown. Stir this roux gradually into your tomato sauce, then allow to simmer for a thickening effect.
4. Cornstarch Slurry
Folks, if you have invited some guests over to your place and got the tomato sauce a bit watery, there is no need to panic; we are here to help you. Among the several ways to thicken tomato sauce without tomato paste, cornstarch slurry is a must-try. You can thicken tomato sauce quickly with cornstarch, a potent thickening agent.
- How to thicken fresh tomato sauce using slurry: To make a cornstarch slurry, blend 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Add this mixture to your sauce, stirring it in and letting it thicken for a few minutes. Be careful when adding cornstarch to the sauce, as too much might thicken it excessively and give it a slightly starchy flavor.
5. Pureed Vegetables
Pureeing veggies improves the sauce’s nutritional content in addition to thickening it. Moreover, it is one of the most beneficial ways to improve the consistency of thin sauce.
- How to thicken pasta sauce without tomato paste: Cook veggies like onions, bell peppers, and carrots until they are tender. Blend or process them until they are pureed, and then mix the puree into your tomato sauce. To mix the tastes, let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
6. Mashed Potatoes or Potato Flakes
Busy mothers and chefs who have a hectic schedule and enough on their plates usually fret about any mistake in cooking dishes. So, if you have made your sauce thin by accident and are probably wondering how to make a tomato sauce thicker, potatoes are a way to do it. Potatoes can thicken tomato sauce efficiently without causing much of a mess.
- How to make a tomato sauce thicker: Add a tiny bit of mashed potatoes or potato flakes to your thick sauce. Give it a good stir and cook for a short while. If more is needed, add it gently so as not to over-thicken it.
7. Cheese
Your tomato sauce will gain richness and thickness from the cheese.
- How to thicken a tomato sauce using cheese goodness: Grate some hard cheeses, such as Romano or Parmesan, and add them to your sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to allow the cheese to completely melt and combine, giving the dish a creamy texture.
8. Breadcrumbs
Last but not least, breadcrumbs can help turn the watery sauce into a thick consistency. Breadcrumbs impart a mild flavor and texture to the sauce.
- How to make tomato sauce thicker using breadcrumbs: Add a tiny handful of seasoned or plain breadcrumbs to your sauce. Give everything a good stir, then set aside for a few minutes so the liquid can absorb and thicken the sauce.
Storage Tips for Tomato Sauce
To keep your tomato sauce safe and tasty, it must be stored properly. The following are some storage guidelines for tomato sauce:
Refrigeration
How to do it: Before putting the homemade tomato sauce in an airtight container, let it cool to room temperature. The jar can be kept in the fridge for three to four days. To maintain a record of its freshness, make sure the date is written on the container.
Freezing
How to do it: Freeze the homemade spaghetti sauce to extend its shelf life. To avoid freezer burn, use airtight plastic bags or freezer-safe containers and make sure all the air is removed. Freeze according to your usual portion proportions. For optimal quality, use within 3–4 months after the date on the label.
Canning
- How to do it: Canning tomato sauce will allow it to last even longer. To guarantee that the sauce is preserved correctly, use a pressure canner or a water bath canner while adhering to safe canning procedures. Store canned tomato sauce in a cold, dark place for up to 1 year.
You can check out the details on canning tomato sauce in this article.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, the article covered 8 ways to thicken the tomato sauce with ease. Not only you can achieve the desired consistency but also make it a perfect base for various dishes. Moreover, several ways to store the tomato sauce have also been discussed. So, if you are dealing with a watery sauce, just follow our article guide and retain the consistency of sauce.