Recipe Station

Here are the five best sauces to make without a stovetop. After reading this let us know what you think, if you’ve tried them and what alterations, if any, you made.

First up

Blender BBQ Sauce:

Ingredients: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes, molasses, honey, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper

Make barbecue sauce in minutes with this blender version. You can spread this tasty sauce right on top of burgers or simmer it on the stovetop until thick for a richer sauce. High-speed blender owners can even heat the sauce right in the blender until it’s piping hot.

Serving Ideas:

Use as a dip for chicken nuggets
Marinate and/or baste grilled chicken or steak
Cook in the slow cooker with pork or chicken for pulled BBQ sandwiches.

Blender Marinara

Ingredients: Canned whole tomatoes, garlic, onion, basil, salt and pepper, honey (optional)

A great combo of canned and fresh ingredients is the key to this savory sauce. If you grew up with an Italian grandma, you’ll know the importance of a good “gravy” and this recipe delivers. Bright with basil, savory with San Marzano tomatoes, this recipe is great spooned right on top of hot pasta, and tastes incredible atop pizza or cooked into lasagna, too.

Serving Ideas:

Three words: spaghetti and meatballs
Stir it into your favorite one-pot pasta recipe
Spoon atop cooked lasagna noodles for a no-bake pasta

 

Easy Enchilada Sauce

Ingredients: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, jalapeño, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt

If you’ve never made your own enchilada sauce, you’ve got to give this recipe a try. It’s such a simple way to upgrade the flavor of your favorite baked enchiladas, tamales and tacos.

Serving Ideas:

Bake in your favorite enchilada casseroles
Stir into Mexican-inspired soups for a little heat
Serve with chips for an enchilada-inspired salsa

 

3-Ingredient Alfredo

Ingredients: Parmesan, garlic, heavy cream

Most Alfredo sauces take several minutes of cautious stirring on the stovetop, but not this one. Just pop it all in your blender and puree until thick. You’ll have a delicious garlic and parmesan cream sauce that tastes just like the original—but no cooking required. (Though you can heat this version up, if you please).

Serving Ideas:

Enjoy as a dipping sauce for fresh baked breadsticks
Add to hot cooked linguine or fettucine (optional: steamed broccoli on the side)
Spread atop dough for a delicious white pizza sauce

 

Avocado Cream Sauce

Ingredients: Avocados, lemon, garlic, onion, basil, veggie broth, salt and pepper

If you like the creaminess of Alfredo sauce, but not the actual cream, this plant-based green sauce is about to become your new favorite. Avocados, vegetable broth and a hint of lemon and fresh basil make for a scrumptious sauce that’s also vegan-friendly.

Serving Ideas:

Stir it into hot bowtie pasta and fresh chopped tomatoes
Spoon it on top of avocado toast or savory crepes
Toss with cooked diced potatoes, corn and black beans for a delish twist on potato salad