Autumn Menus: Umami is the secret in comfort food

Are you interested in recipes that use umami ingredients like ketchup and tomato sauce. The article offers meals such as shepherds pie and tomato soup.

Autumn Menus: Umami is the secret in comfort food
So, here's how to use these umami ingredients: Ketchup is a North American favourite dip; pasta sauce is self-explanatory; and tomato juice is not only good straight up, it is also ideal for slow-cooking and as a baste for roasts. To shake things up a bit, try chili sauce. It's also packed with tomatoes and it's not a hot sauce. Chili sauce is like a sweet tomato chutney ready to be used in countless comfort food recipes, including hearty soups, stews, casseroles and dips. Finally, Worcestershire sauce is ideal for ground beef dishes like meatloaf, shepherd's pie, and burgers.

So consider warming up your family every day this fall and winter with these umami meal ideas:

Tomato Soup: Sauté onions in butter; stir in flour until smooth; slowly whisk in a large (1.36L) can of Heinz Tomato juice; heat until just boiling; let stand 10 minutes and slowly stir in milk. No wonder tomato soup has always been a comfort food-the umami factor in this recipe is so high.

Shepherd's Pie Tip: When making this all-time favourite, use 1/4 cup ketchup and 3/4 cup tomato juice to your ground beef for an added umami dimension (don't forget the Worcestershire sauce). It will also flavour and moisten the ground beef.

Umami Meat: Top off any of your favourite cuts of meat with a spoon of Heinz Chili Sauce. On pork chops, fish, beef or lamb, it will liven up your meal and satisfy your taste buds.

Umami Salad: Savoury Worcestershire sauce plays a delicious role in Caesar salad dressings because it is also high in umami. Add Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce to your favourite store-bought or homemade dressing (plus anchovies if you like) to make the leafy greens taste extra good.

- News Canada



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