Tomato sauce is great, but it can get boring if that’s the only liquid you think about to cook in; or maybe your acid reflux is like “switch it up please!”
So whether you are simmering or braising in a liquid, here are some alternative ideas to using tomato sauce or tomato paste!
Broth is going to be a key player here. This Bonafide Provisions is my favorite. (not sponsored)
Coconut Milk
This is one of my favorites because it helps give a creaminess without dairy and depending how you spice it up, you won’t even taste the coconut flavor if that is a concern.I love this Tom Kha Gai soup I made years ago
Horseradish + Broth
Horseradish and beef are a great combination – you just need some broth to help “saucify” it. Try it in this horseradish beef stew by Kelshner horseradish and omit the tomato paste and beer and use beef broth instead.
Pureed Red Pepper + Broth
Replace tomatoes with red peppers! Try this Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce by La Creme De La Crumb and use coconut milk if you don’t mix the dairy or want to omit it.
Pureed Mushroom + Broth
I tried adding mushroom flavor into these dairy free Swedish Inspired chicken and turkey balls because if my family sees the mushroom bits, they won’t eat it. They turned out great! Don’t pay too much attention to the amounts in this “recipe” just eyeball it. I recommend a mushroom broth here too.
Pureed Butternut Squash (or Pumpkin) + Broth
This chicken chili with pumpkin by Serving Dumplings can also work great with butternut squash.
Onion Jam + Broth
This is another way to add a lot of flavor from a veggie that omits a lot of juice! I’m linking my old tomatillo salsa chicken but it’s the same concept if you avoid the other ingredients and basically use cooked onions and broth as your liquid! It could work work with beef or pork too!
Tamarind or Soy
My friend Sam of Little Ferraro Kitchen recently shared this delicious Hawaiian Style Shoyu Chicken
This chicken in tamarind sauce by Pakistani Chef Recipes looks really good!
This Coconut + Tamarind Chicken by I love Cooking is also basically a stew and looks simple and delish!
Beer
Beer gives a depth of flavor just like wine would and it pairs really well with beef. Try it in this Drunken Slow Cooker Beef Carbonnade by The Chunky Chef