Sauces date back to ancient cultures, such as ancient Rome, where cooks used a fermented fish-based cream called garum. In the Middle Ages, they began to acquire greater complexity, with the immersion of ingredients such as spices, herbs and wines.
Over time, sauces have become essential components in cooking. They serve to transform a dish into an amazing culinary experience. The versatility and ability of sauces to enhance flavours make them a must in any dish.
What are gourmet sauces?
They are culinary creations that are distinguished by their high quality, elegance and variety of flavours. They are prepared with selected ingredients and advanced techniques, and are designed to enhance haute cuisine dishes. Their purpose is to complement and elevate the culinary experience, offering a depth of flavour and texture that transforms the dish into a masterpiece.
These sauces stand out for containing high quality ingredients with advanced techniques that create a balance and complexity of flavours. Finally, the chefs present it in a careful and creative way to surprise the diners.
Variety of sauces
Every dish requires a special sauce, these are some of the most outstanding and well-known in the world.
The Codina Foods selection
Hummus. It is a paste of cooked chickpeas mixed with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Originally from the Middle East, this dip is known for its smooth and creamy texture. As well as for its balanced flavour between the earthiness of the chickpeas and the acidity of the lemon.
Babaganoush. This is a sauce made from roasted aubergines, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Its smoky flavour comes from the process of roasting the aubergines, which gives it a unique depth and a touch of natural sweetness. This spread is a perfect accompaniment to pita bread.
Taramosalata. A traditional Greek sauce made with fish roe (usually carp or cod), breadcrumbs or potatoes, lemon juice, olive oil and sometimes onion. It is a smooth and creamy cream, with a salty and slightly acidic taste reminiscent of the sea.
Classics
Traditional tomato sauce. Perfect with pasta, pizzas and stews. Based on fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs and a touch of extra virgin olive oil.
Barbecue sauce. Ideal for barbecues and roasts. With a blend of spices and a smoky touch, this barbecue sauce brings out the flavour of grilled meats.
Béchamel sauce. A classic sauce for gratin and to accompany pasta and vegetable dishes or to make croquettes. It is a smooth and creamy sauce, made from the best quality flour.
Special
Truffle. To give a luxurious touch to your favourite dishes. Perfect for pastas, meats and risottos, it adds a special and elegant flavour.
Gourmet hot sauce. For spicy lovers, this gourmet hot sauce combines select chillies with fresh ingredients, creating an explosion of flavour in every bite.
Vegan. A delicious and healthy option for those who follow a vegan diet. Made with 100% vegetable ingredients, without sacrificing taste or texture.
World Wide
Pesto Genovese Sauce. From Italy, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Perfect for pastas and salads.
Tikka Masala. Carrying the flavour of India, Tikka Masala sauce is made with a blend of authentic spices, tomatoes and cream.
Teriyaki. Originating from Japanese cuisine, teriyaki sauce is ideal for marinating meats and accompanying rice and sushi dishes.
Guacamole. Guacamole is a traditional Mexican salsa made from avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt. It is a perfect addition to tacos, nachos and other Mexican foods, providing a creamy texture and fresh flavour.
Culinary uses
Sauces have a wide variety of culinary uses, from enhancing the flavour of a type of dish to providing moisture and texture. Here are some of the most common uses in the kitchen.
Meat accompaniment
These sauces are a perfect complement to meats, as they can add moisture, flavour and contrast. For example:
- Mushroom sauces. Ideal for beef, pork or chicken.
- Black pepper. Perfect for red meats such as veal.
- Cranberry. Classic with turkey or duck on special days.
- Honey mustard. Delicious with roast chicken or grilled pork.
Salad dressings
Can transform a simple salad into a vibrant, flavourful dish. Some options include:
- Caesar dressing. With garlic, lemon, anchovies and Parmesan cheese.
- Ranch sauce. Mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, parsley, salt and pepper.
Accompaniments for pasta
These sauces are essential in Italian cuisine and are used to coat and compliment a wide variety of pastas.
- Marinara. With fresh tomatoes, garlic and herbs, ideal for short pasta.
- Alfredo sauce. Based on cream and parmesan cheese, perfect for long pasta such as fettuccine.
- Pesto. With basil, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil, excellent for short or long pasta.
Dip for starters
Excellent for dipping and enhancing the flavour of a variety of starters. Some popular choices are:
- Taramosalata. Usually served as a dip with bread or fresh vegetables.
- Babaganoush. A perfect accompaniment to pita bread or to be used as an unspread on sandwiches and wraps.
- Hummus. Delicious with pita bread, vegetables or tortilla chips.
Glazing and marinating dishes
They can be used to glaze or marinate meats, fish and vegetables before cooking. Some of the most common are:
- Barbecue. Perfect for glazing ribs, grilled chicken or burgers.
- Teriyaki marinade. Ideal for pork, chicken or salmon.
- Soy and ginger sauces. Excellent for marinating beef, chicken or tofu.
Enhance the flavour of vegetarian dishes
Add flavour and complexity to vegetarian dishes, either as a dressing, dip or glaze.
- Curry sauces. Perfect with stir-fried vegetables or tofu.
- Tahini. Delicious with salads, falafel or roasted vegetables.
- Homemade tomato sauce. Ideal with pasta, pizza or baked vegetables.
Premium sauces
Deldiche is a Belgian company founded in 1990. Dedicated to the creation of sauces with high quality products, it offers the new market trends, becoming a leading brand in Belgium.
Codina Foods distributes a wide variety of sauces made with the best possible ingredients. Some star references are hummus and babaganoush. Two unique recipes that will give your kitchen an extra flavour and originality.
Paltsidis started in Thessaloniki in 1975. It is a Greek company with more than 40 years of experience in the creation of all kinds of sauces. Its experience in the sector has made it a benchmark when it comes to offering unique culinary experiences.
It has a wide range of sauces, even vegan, prepared from plants that promise moments of quality and enjoyment. All these products contain the flavour and aroma of Greece.
Codina Foods offers you its taramosalata, a sauce made from cod roe. A delicacy coming from Greece and which is perfect to accompany all kinds of dishes or to be served as a snack.
