Sauces can transform a meal. Put them on top of some vegetables, pasta or chicken, and they turn simple dishes into delicious concoctions. And if you want to freshen up your cooking, you can prepare them yourself.
Barbecue Sauce:
This grilling staple is surprisingly quick and easy to make.
Combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce and/or soy sauce in a saucepan. Cayenne pepper is optional, depending on your spice preference. Simmer mixture for a few minutes, then serve.
Pico de Gallo:
Turn a can of beans and rice or a plate of veggies into Mexican food with the addition of this super-fresh salsa.
Chop tomatoes and onions and combine in a two-to-one ratio. Remove the seeds from a jalapeño pepper and mince. Chop a generous handful of cilantro. Combine these components. Season with salt, pepper and lime juice. Let the flavors mix and settle before serving.
Pesto:
Aside from its usual home atop pasta, pesto can also class up your eggs, sandwiches or salad dressing.
Blend a couple of garlic cloves with olive oil and chopped nuts. These can be almonds, walnuts or pine nuts. Then pick basil leaves off stems and wash them. Add them and puree until smooth. Grate parmesan cheese and squeeze lemon and add them into the mix. Blend together.
Peanut sauce:
This sauce adds excitement to noodles or chicken skewers. It also makes a more wholesome meal out of a vegetable stir-fry by giving it some protein and healthy fat.
Scoop natural-style peanut butter into a bowl. Thin it out with warm water. Mince garlic and ginger. Combine with the peanut butter. Add white sugar, lime juice, soy sauce and rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth. For a bit more spice, add red pepper flakes.