Sauces are the secret weapon to transforming any dish from basic to extraordinary. They bring flavour, texture, and richness to everything from pastas to vegetables, and they’re easier to make than you might think! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home cook, mastering a handful of foundational sauces can elevate your cooking to the next level. In this blog, we'll walk through five essential sauces every home cook should master: marinara, béchamel, pesto, vinaigrette, and a basic gravy.

1. Marinara Sauce – The Classic Italian Staple

Marinara sauce is a quintessential Italian sauce, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. It’s simple to make and requires only a few ingredients, but it’s packed with bold, rich flavour.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
3. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together and the sauce thickens.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve over pasta, use as a pizza sauce, or pair with meatballs!

Pro Tip: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to purée it to your desired consistency.

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Try it out with our Family Meatball Bake

2. Béchamel Sauce – The Creamy White Sauce

Béchamel is one of the French "mother sauces" and forms the basis for many other sauces. It’s a smooth, creamy sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, making it perfect for mac and cheese, lasagna, or creamy vegetable dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 c whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir continuously to create a roux (a paste), cooking it for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor. Continue cooking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week.

Pro Tip: For a richer béchamel, try using half-and-half or cream instead of whole milk.

Try it out with our pulled pork mac n cheese

3. Pesto Sauce – The Fresh and Herbaceous Condiment

Pesto is a vibrant, aromatic sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. It’s a perfect topping for pasta, pizza, grilled vegetables, or even as a sandwich spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 c fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ c pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
• ½ c grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ c olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse a few times until everything is chopped.
2. With the food processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency (thick or slightly runny).
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil to loosen it up.
4. Toss with pasta, use as a spread, or drizzle over roasted vegetables.

Pro Tip: Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for future use. Just pop out a cube when you need a quick flavour boost!

Try it with our Perfect Pork Steaks with Roast Veggies

4. Vinaigrette – The Simple Salad Dressing

A good vinaigrette is essential for any cook. It’s a perfect balance of oil and vinegar, with endless variations depending on your flavour preferences. It's great for salads, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp vinegar (red wine, balsamic, or apple cider vinegar work well)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a nice tang)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing (this means the oil and vinegar will combine into a smooth, unified sauce).
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a touch of sweetness with honey or syrup.
4. Store leftovers in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Shake before using.

Pro Tip: Experiment with flavored vinegars like balsamic or red wine vinegar, or add minced garlic or shallots for extra flavour.

Try it out with our Pork Rissole Salad

5. Basic Gravy – The Perfect Comfort Food Topping

Gravy is a must-have for holidays, roasts, and comfort food. A rich, savory gravy is made from meat drippings and is the perfect accompaniment to mashed potatoes, roast pork

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp butter (or drippings from roasted meat)
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 c stock (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or a splash of cream for richness

Instructions:

1. In a pan, melt butter or heat your meat drippings over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
2. Slowly pour in the stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce or cream for extra depth.
4. Serve over your favorite meats or mashed potatoes!

Pro Tip: If your gravy is too thick, add more stock to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it a little longer to reduce and thicken.

Try it with our Winter Roast

Conclusion

Mastering these five simple sauces—marinara, béchamel, pesto, vinaigrette, and gravy—will set you up for success in the kitchen. Once you've got these down, you can start experimenting with variations and combinations to suit your taste. Whether you’re making a quick pasta dinner, preparing a luxurious holiday roast, or just adding a burst of flavour to your everyday meals, these sauces will elevate your cooking and make you feel like a pro in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

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