Simple Pleasure: 5 Minute Homemade Sauces

For me, a homemade sauce is one of my greatest simple pleasures. Whipping up a dressing, dip or tomato sauce is a modest way to treat myself to something truly grand.

• It's undoubtedly better, both in taste and nutrition. Commercial condiments are often packed with sneaky fillers like excess sugar, sodium, damaged oils, toxic and allergenic additives. We don't need any of that, especially not now.

• It takes barely longer than opening up a jar from the store. Less than 5 minutes, with the exception of the marinara. 

• Now is the time! A drizzle of homemade loving care is the best way to jazz up pantry quarantine cuisine.

Give it a go and maybe you'll find just a little more joy.

Garlic Aioli

Recipe from Serious Eats

What to do with homemade, creamy garlic aioli? 

• chicken, tuna or egg salad

• wraps or sandwiches

• roasted vegetables (cauliflower, potato, sweet potato, Brussles sprouts...)

• raw or blanched vegetables (artichoke, green beans, asparagus...)

• baked or grilled fish

Quick Pickle Onions

Recipe from Cookie & Kate

What to do with homemade, tangy pickled onions? 

• tacos

• wraps or sandwiches

• leafy or hearty salads

• grain bowls

• panzanella

• eggs

• avocado toast

"Cheesy" Cashew Cream

Recipe from The Kitchn

What to do with homemade, luxurious "cheesy" cashew cream? 

• burrito bowls

• fish tacos

• chili or other soup

• baked potato or sweet potato

• creamy salad dressing

• veggie dip

• wrap or sandwich

• vegan fettucini alfredo

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Recipe from Barefeet in the Kitchen

What to do with homemade, bold balsamic vinaigrette? 

• salad!

• wrap or sandwich

• roasted vegetables (broccoli, brussles sprouts, asparagus...)

• veggie dip

• pasta or bean salad

Marinara

Recipe from Spend with Pennies

What to do with homemade, fresh marinara? 

• pasta

• pizza

• eggplant or chicken parmesan

• ratatouille

• shakshuka

• dip for grilled cheese

• greek green beans

Ginger Almond Sauce

Recipe from Bon Appetit

What to do with homemade, addicting ginger almond sauce? 

• veggie dip (carrot, cucumber, green bean, jicama...)

• salad dressing

• grilled meat, tempeh or mushrooms

• spring rolls

• wraps