Imagine yourself, exhausted from a long and demanding day, stealing a glance at the clock only to be overwhelmed with a sinking feeling of dread. Dinner preparation should have already begun, yet you need to prepare yourself.
A familiar dilemma arises: should you surrender to the convenience of ordering takeout or delve into your pantry to retrieve a tantalizing simmer sauce? The exorbitant takeout costs weigh heavily on your mind as you consider the options, while the wallet-friendly jar of sauce beckons you. More often than not, you opt for the latter, and in those moments, you can’t help but feel grateful for your thoughtful decision to keep your pantry well-stocked.
It is a testament to your wisdom and foresight, ensuring that a delicious meal is always within reach, even on the most hectic days.
Simmer Sauces
If you’re new to the world of cooking, simmer sauces are about to become your best friend. Picture this: you crack open a jar, throw in some veggies or your preferred protein, and voila! Dinner is just a quick simmer away on your stove or slow cooker.
Nowadays, you can find many incredibly delicious and intricately flavored simmer sauces at almost any supermarket. Explore the global culinary landscape with options inspired by Indian, Mexican, Moroccan, and Thai cuisines.
As you peruse the labels, you’ll discover they read like mouthwatering recipes, boasting a healthy lineup of familiar ingredients that will make you feel good about your choices. The simplicity of adding protein and vegetables to these simmer sauces means you can whip up a satisfying dinner in no time, making your taste buds and your busy schedule very happy indeed.
Non-Indian Simmer Sauces
While Indian simmer sauces may have garnered some popularity, it would be a shame to overlook the plethora of other cultures and cuisines that offer equally delightful options. The vast and diverse culinary world presents a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored.
From the vibrant Mexican sauces to the aromatic and exotic Moroccan blends, each culture offers its unique twist on simmer sauces. Remember the tempting Thai concoctions that combine a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Put aside the spicy vindaloo, the Masala Mama and Maya Kaimal, and Williams Sonoma typical sauces, and find a place of delicious gourmet simmered sauces you can also find packed at the corner grocery store.
By embracing the rich tapestry of global cuisines, you open yourself up to a world of culinary adventures and new doors to exciting taste experiences. So why limit yourself? Embrace the variety and let your taste buds embark on a journey of discovery across cultures and continents.
From Thailand: Green Curry
From Thai cuisine, we sincerely recommend the green curry simmer sauce, a culinary masterpiece that begins with a luscious foundation of velvety coconut milk. Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors as you encounter the heart of this sauce: a spicy green curry paste that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Within its depths, a harmonious blend of shallots, lemongrass, garlic, galangal, coriander, lime peel, and ginger await, each contributing to its irresistible savory and aromatic qualities.
From Morocco: Tagine
Let me tell you an exciting story about a tagine or tajine. It’s a unique way of cooking that started a long time ago with the nomadic people of Morocco. These people would travel from place to place, and when it was time to eat, they needed a way to cook their food.
Let me tell you an exciting story about a tagine or tajine. It’s a unique way of cooking that started a long time ago with the nomadic people of Morocco. These people would travel from place to place, and when it was time to eat, they needed a way to cook their food.
So, what they did was use a unique pot called a tagine. It was a pot with a unique shape that had a cone-shaped lid on top. They would put this pot over an open fire and cook delicious meals. But here’s the cool part: they didn’t need to transfer the food to another dish once the food was ready. The tagine pot itself became a serving dish, and everyone in their tribe could gather around and enjoy the meal together.
Moroccan cuisine is a true feast for the senses, bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, largely thanks to the enchanting spices. Among the essential ingredients in Moroccan cooking is Ras El Hanout, a unique blend that combines only a few but at least a dozen different spices.
From Thailand: Panang Curry
Panang curry delights with its distinctively nutty and mellow flavor by incorporating roasted peanuts directly into the curry paste. This infusion adds a delightful texture and richness to the dish.
Panang curry sauces can vary slightly depending on the brand but generally contain a flavorful blend of ingredients.
Some standard components include dried chili peppers, galangal, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime zest, kaffir lime leaves, coriander root, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds. These ingredients combine to create a harmonious and aromatic base for the delicious Panang curry sauce.
From Mexico: Barbacoa Red Chile Simmer Sauce
Barbacoa is a delectable pork dish that traditionally uses stricter cuts of meat, which benefit from long, slow cooking methods. Traditionally, barbacoa is prepared using large amounts of meat or whole animals.
While barbacoa in the United States is typically associated with beef. In Mexico, barbacoa can be made from various portions of meat such as beef, goat, lamb, or mutton. The choice of meat adds its unique flavors and textures, contributing to the rich and savory experience of enjoying authentic barbacoa.
Barbacoa sauce is crafted using a flavorful combination of ingredients. It typically includes beef broth, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, yellow onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, lime juice, and allspice. These ingredients combine to create a tangy, smoky, slightly spicy sauce that perfectly complements barbacoa-style dishes.
From Mexico: Oaxacan Mole
Oaxaca, known for its rich culinary heritage, is home to seven distinct moles, each offering a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. These moles are crafted by combining various spices, nuts, fruits, dried chiles, and other components. Some moles can feature as many as 30 ingredients, although an average of 12 to 15 is more typical.
Oaxacan mole refers to the various moles originating from the Oaxaca region in Mexico. Oaxacan moles are renowned for their rich and complex flavors, often featuring a combination of toasted dried chiles, roasted or whole tomatoes, blackened vegetables, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, bread or masa (corn dough), and occasionally chocolate. These ingredients are carefully blended into a smooth sauce traditionally served with meats such as turkey or chicken.
Oaxacan moles offer varied flavors and textures, each with unique ingredients. They showcase the depth and artistry of Oaxacan cuisine. “mole” comes from “molli” in Nahuatl, emphasizing their complex nature and cultural significance.
From South Korea: Stir Fry Simmer Sauce
The versatility of this sauce allows you to experiment with various combinations of your favorite vegetables and proteins. Add tempeh for a hearty plant-based option or tofu for a silky and protein-rich addition.
If you prefer a meaty touch, chopped chicken can bring a delightful texture and flavor to the stir fry. The endless possibilities enable you to customize your dish according to your taste and preferences.
From Spain: Romesco Simmer Sauce
This simmer sauce features 100% pure avocado oil and takes inspiration from the flavors of the Iberian Peninsula.
To create a delicious blend, it incorporates fire-roasted red pepper and tomato, onion, almonds, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt.
Coconut Cream And Simmer Sauces
To create a simmer sauce with a luxurious and more decadent taste, follow these steps:
- Begin by carefully skimming off the solid layer of cream from a can of coconut milk, aiming for approximately 3/4 cup of cream.
- In a large saucepan, place the skimmed cream and set the heat to medium. Stir as you simmer the cream until it reaches a thick, yogurt-like texture with sizzling edges. This process usually takes around 7 to 12 minutes.
A word of caution: It is essential to avoid using cheap coconut cream, as some products may contain emulsifiers and stabilizers that hinder the formation of the cream layer. Opt for a high-quality coconut milk brand that allows the cream to separate naturally for the best results.
By taking these steps, you can enhance the richness of your simmer sauce, adding a velvety texture and an indulgent touch to your culinary creations.
Vegan Tikka Masala
Remember to look at our vegan tikka masala recipe here if you want something vegan.
Recipes with non-Indian simmer sauces
Green Curry
To indulge in the delightful flavors of green curry, begin by sautéing your preferred protein or tofu, approximately half a pound, until perfectly cooked. Next, add an equal amount of vibrant vegetables to the pan, creating a medley of colors and textures.
It’s time to unleash the full potential of this sauce. Pour it generously over the protein and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated. Allow the ingredients to simmer, and relish in the harmonious fusion of flavors.
If you find leftovers, consider portioning them into containers for a few days’ worth of delectable lunches—a pocket-friendly alternative to indulging in Thai take-out.
Moroccan Chicken Flatbreads
Chicken is a fantastic choice to showcase the unique flavors of a Moroccan simmer sauce. You can prepare it in various ways.
If you want a culinary adventure, go for Moroccan Chicken Flatbreads. Marinate the chicken overnight, skewer it, and grill it to perfection. Serve it on flatbread with simmered tomato sauce and garlic yogurt.
