A new year has arrived and here are some ideas to make life easier.
I make a lot of soups during the cold weather. Thus, I keep a bag of Bob’s Red Mill potato flakes at the ready. Besides thickening my potato soup, it works for just about any hearty soup, just add a few tablespoons to the hot liquid to avoid a thin broth. And the flavor is not overwhelming.
I often use masa harina to thicken chili or tortilla type soups. Mix equal amounts of cold water and masa, whisk thoroughly, (making a slurry) add to chili and mix well. If you add it near the last 15 minutes it will blend in, adding it at the end (if you are out of time) gives a different effect, but both are good. The amount needed is based on your volume. I start with one cup each, making sure it is smooth.
A quick sauce for a quick spice upgrade.1/4 cup mayo, 1 Tablespoon sriracha sauce and a splash of lime. Great on just about everything.
One of my favorite sauces for filled ravioli: a few tablespoons butter, heat in in skillet over medium high heat until it begins to brown (watch it, it can go from brown to black in seconds) Stir in some thinly sliced fresh sage, and you are done.