Question

How can you thicken sauces without using cornstarch, flour, or xantham/guar gums?

Answer 1

There are several natural ways to thicken sauces without relying on cornstarch, flour, xanthan gum, or guar gum. Here are some alternatives you can try:

1. Reduction: Simmer the sauce for a longer period to reduce the liquid content and naturally thicken it. As the liquid evaporates, the flavors concentrate, and the sauce becomes thicker.

2. Pureed Vegetables: Cook and blend vegetables like carrots, onions, or tomatoes, then add the puree to the sauce. This will add body and thickness without altering the flavor significantly.

3. Mashed Potatoes: Boil and mash potatoes, then mix them into the sauce. Potatoes have natural starches that can thicken the sauce.

4. Beans or Legumes: Cook and mash beans or legumes and add them to the sauce for a thicker consistency. This method can also enhance the nutritional value of the sauce.

5. Nuts or Seeds: Blending nuts or seeds, like almonds or chia seeds, with water and incorporating the mixture into the sauce can add thickness and creaminess.

6. Egg Yolks: Whisk egg yolks and temper them with some warm sauce before adding them back to the pot. The yolks will thicken the sauce without scrambling due to the gentle heating.

7. Cooked Rice: Blend cooked rice with some water and mix it into the sauce. The rice starch will help thicken the sauce while remaining relatively neutral in flavor.

8. Rolled Oats: Grind rolled oats into a fine powder and add them to the sauce. They can absorb excess liquid and create a thicker consistency.

9. Ground Flaxseed: Mix ground flaxseed with water to create a gel-like substance, then stir it into the sauce for natural thickening.

10. Agar-Agar: Derived from seaweed, agar-agar is a plant-based gelatin substitute. It can be used in small amounts to thicken sauces without changing the taste.

Remember to adjust the quantities of these thickeners according to your preference and the consistency you desire for your sauce. Also, keep in mind that some of these alternatives might introduce their own subtle flavors, so consider the overall taste of your dish when choosing a thickening method.