Cooking wine is a versatile ingredient that can add a depth of flavor to your dishes. While it is not advisable to drink cooking wine due to its high salt content and added preservatives, it is a great ingredient to use in cooking. Here are some tips on how to use cooking wine in your meals.
1. Flavor meats and poultry
Cooking wine can add flavor to meat and poultry dishes. Marinate your meat in cooking wine for a few hours before cooking it. This will help tenderize the meat and add an extra layer of flavor. You can also use cooking wine to deglaze your pan when cooking meat or poultry. Pour a small amount of cooking wine into your pan after cooking your meat and scrape the bits off the bottom of the pan. The wine will add a depth of flavor to your sauce or gravy.
2. Add depth to soups and stews
Cooking wine can also be used to add depth to soups and stews. Adding a small amount of cooking wine to your broth or stock can enhance the flavor of your soup or stew. Be careful not to overdo it, as cooking wine can be quite strong in flavor. Add a little at a time and taste as you go.
3. Use in pasta sauces
Cooking wine can also be used in pasta sauces. Add a splash of cooking wine to your tomato-based pasta sauce to add a richness of flavor. You can also use cooking wine in cream-based pasta sauces. Add a small amount of cooking wine to your sauce and let it reduce for a few minutes. This will help the flavors blend together and create a rich and savory sauce.
4. Add to vegetables
Cooking wine can also be used to add flavor to vegetables. Sauté your vegetables in a little bit of oil and add a splash of cooking wine towards the end of cooking. The cooking wine will help the flavors of the vegetables blend and create a delicious side dish.
In conclusion, cooking wine is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Use it in moderation and taste as you go to ensure that it doesn’t overpower your dish. With a little experimentation, you can create delicious and flavorful meals with cooking wine.
For more tips and tricks on adding cooking wine in your next meal, check out the infographic below.
