Sauce Suggestions

Sauce Suggestions

At a loss? Here are some tasty, point-free suggestions. Some can be used as marinades, dips or sauces. Others are great as spice rubs. All are so simple to make.

Tuscan Tang. Mix together 2 tablespoons wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon each Dijon mustard and minced garlic. This garlicky, tangy sauce makes a delicious marinade for chicken and red meat. Add a dollop to meats or steamed vegetables for extra flavour.

Double Pepper. Purée 1 roasted red pepper, a quarter of an onion, 1/4 teaspoon each red pepper flakes and salt. This mellow, spicy sauce is wonderful with fish and chicken.

Moroccan Spice. Mix 1 tablespoon each cumin and cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of cayenne. Rub on chicken, fish or meat before grilling.

Shortcut Savoury. Mix 1 crushed stock cube with 2 teaspoons lemon juice and rub on fish or chicken before grilling.

Aromatic Herb. Mince equal parts of herbs (such as dill, basil, coriander, oregano, tarragon, sage, thyme or rosemary) with aromatics (chives, leeks, shallots, onions). A squeeze of lemon or lime juice will brighten up the flavour. Or, add a dash of hot pepper sauce for extra spiciness. Sprinkle on meats or mix into vegetables.

My Oh Mayo!
There are tons of low-fat or low-point condiments and dressings shelved in your supermarket or available when you're dining out. But if the sauce selection doesn't grab you, make your own. It's easy and all natural - no preservatives or gummy aftertaste.

Just spice up some low-fat mayo or yoghurt with whatever is in your cupboard. Spread it on sandwiches, grilled meats, fish, chicken or vegetables. Thin it out with water and - voila! - it becomes a tasty, low-point dressing. Try adding these to mayo or yoghurt:

• Soy sauce and spring onions.
• Wasabi (Japanese horseradish).
• Saffron and garlic.
• Roasted red pepper and parsley.
• Capers and horseradish.
• Mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
• Basil and garlic.
• Dill and tarragon (great with chicken!).
• Parmesan, extra strong cheddar, blue, or feta cheese. These cheeses are very pungent so you need very little to spice up your food.

So go ahead - put a little added flavour in your food and tickle your taste buds guilt-free.