Low Fat Sauces
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Low Fat Sauces
I tried making a mushroom sauce tonight using chopped shallots, chopped mushrooms and half-fat creme fraiche. The flavours were good, but it was rather grainy and not smooth. This has happened in the past when I've been using this creme fraiche. I did add a splash or two of Marsala and reduced right down before adding the creme fraiche. I'm wondering why this has happened?
- Stokey Sue
- Posts: 4139
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- Location: Stoke Newington, London
Re: Low Fat Sauces
You need a stabiliser - a touch of potato starch, arrowroot, or cornflour (my order of preference) slaked with a little water , stirred in, and allowed to cook, before the creme fraiche is added
If it is already a thickened sauce, the cream is much less likely to go grainy - and of course the sauce should be just off the boil, and not allowed to boil again once the creme fraiche is added
Also - read the label on the low fat creme fraiche. Some are just low fat cream (Yeo Valley for example) - some (supermarket own bands mainly) are "stabilised" with gelatin, starch, or pectin - this makes it thicker when cold, but less stablewhen heated; I personally think this should be illegal, cream (like milk) should be a pure product and adulteration should not be permitted. But even when I get off my soap box, the adulterated stuff is more likely to split
If it is already a thickened sauce, the cream is much less likely to go grainy - and of course the sauce should be just off the boil, and not allowed to boil again once the creme fraiche is added
Also - read the label on the low fat creme fraiche. Some are just low fat cream (Yeo Valley for example) - some (supermarket own bands mainly) are "stabilised" with gelatin, starch, or pectin - this makes it thicker when cold, but less stablewhen heated; I personally think this should be illegal, cream (like milk) should be a pure product and adulteration should not be permitted. But even when I get off my soap box, the adulterated stuff is more likely to split
Re: Low Fat Sauces
Thank you for your very helpful reply, Sue.
I did boil to reduce and thicken the sauce, as I do with normal cream. I will add some cornflour with water next time, then add the creme fraiche right at the end, being careful not to boil.
Yes, I check labels carefully when buying reduced-fat creme fraiche. I bought Sainsbury's organic half-fat creme fraiche which doesn't have any additives.
I did boil to reduce and thicken the sauce, as I do with normal cream. I will add some cornflour with water next time, then add the creme fraiche right at the end, being careful not to boil.
Yes, I check labels carefully when buying reduced-fat creme fraiche. I bought Sainsbury's organic half-fat creme fraiche which doesn't have any additives.
Re: Low Fat Sauces
Just to let you know that the mushroom sauce turned out really well, Sue! I used a small amount of cornflour, because that's what I had in.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/ ... msauce.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/ ... msauce.jpg
- Joanbunting
- Posts: 4986
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: Provence
Re: Low Fat Sauces
Well done the two of you. I missed out on this thread thanks to our internet problems.
I also add a very small amount of arrowroot or similar to creme anglaise, especially when doing Iles Flottant. Doesn't affect the taste but sure helps the texture.
I also add a very small amount of arrowroot or similar to creme anglaise, especially when doing Iles Flottant. Doesn't affect the taste but sure helps the texture.
Re: Low Fat Sauces
I'll make a note to get some arrowroot, Joan. I have used it in the past and it works well. Thanks for the reminder.
Re: Low Fat Sauces
Well I have prepared vegetables pasta sauce which has amazingly very good taste . I usually add chop tomato , olive oil , oregano flakes , green bell peppers ,slat and sugar . It is low fat sauce so people can easily prepare it .
- Puss-in-boots
- Posts: 1268
- Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:14 am
- Location: South Wales
Re: Low Fat Sauces
I like the sound of that sauce as I like creme fraiche as well, will give it a try sometime. The dinner looks nice Renee.
Johnson your pasta dish sounds good also.
Johnson your pasta dish sounds good also.
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