Slovakian Wine Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) red wine 2 cups (470ml) red wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. 3.
   Slowly pour in the red wine, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
4. 4.
   Add the beef or vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   If desired, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to achieve a smoother texture.
8. 8.
   Serve the Slovakian Wine Sauce warm over your favorite dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Red wine — Choose a dry red wine with good flavor, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the taste of the sauce.
• Tomato paste — Use a high-quality tomato paste to add depth and richness to the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar during the simmering process.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering for a shorter or longer time, depending on your preference.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the sauce to your liking.
• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the sauce gently over low heat to maintain its smooth texture.

Serving advice

Serve Slovakian Wine Sauce over roasted meats such as beef, pork, or game, or use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Presentation advice

When serving Slovakian Wine Sauce, drizzle it over the main dish or pour it into a small sauceboat for guests to help themselves. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for an elegant touch.