Various Functions & Purposes of Sauces in the Culinary World
Most sauces have multiple purposes in a dish. A sauce, for
example, that adds a contrast flavour may also enhance textural and visual
appeal. Sauces typically perform one or more of the following functions or
fulfil one or more of the following aims. In short, never underestimate the
value of sauce because it can be used to enhance meals in a variety of ways and
can be used to:
1) Add Contrast In Taste:
Sauces are sometimes used to give a flavour contrast to
another cuisine. The combination of apple sauce and fresh roast pork achieves
the same result. A sauce, in broad terms, is any condiment or culinary
preparation that serves to contrast with or complement another cuisine. In this
sense, a peanut butter and jelly combo would be a sauce to a slice of bread if
served together.
2) Add texture:
Sauces can be chunky or smooth, oil-based or liquid-based.
The various textures of a wonderful meal are one of the most enjoyable aspects
of eating it. A thin gravy is ideal for binding together creamy mashed potatoes
and pan-seared chicken breast, as well as making the chicken juicier.
3) Add complementary flavors:
Complementary flavours should be added to a dish to balance
the flavours from all of the components. A tart and sweet balsamic vinaigrette
would complement a crisp salad with sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy
mozzarella. The acidity balances the sweetness of the tomatoes while also
cutting the fat in the cheese. Meanwhile, the richness of the vinaigrette
enhances the tomato flavour.
4) Add juiciness:
This is especially effective when using a dry-cooking method,
such as grilling or sautéing. If those BBQ ribs weren't covered with BBQ sauce,
they wouldn't be the same!
5) Add visual appeal:
It is common knowledge that we all "eat with our eyes
first," and this is true. Pork chops with roasted potatoes may not appear
attractive on their own, but when coupled with a lively chimichurri sauce made
with fresh herbs, it becomes something you want to delve right into! Some
sauces can provide a lovely shine to the food, making it look shiny and tasty.
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