Sweet and Sour Strawberry Sauce

Sweet and Sour Strawberry Sauce Recipe - Tangy and Delicious

| Servings: 24

Introduction

Sweet and sour strawberry sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. This tangy and fruity sauce is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating your favorite meats and vegetables.

History

The origins of sweet and sour sauce can be traced back to ancient Chinese cuisine, where a combination of sugar and vinegar was used to create a balanced and flavorful sauce. Over time, variations of this sauce have been adapted in different cultures around the world, including this unique strawberry twist.

Ingredients

6 tbsp tomato juice
6 tbsp water
3 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 oz (85 g) brown sugar
1 lb (454 g) 10 oz drained canned pineapple chunks
12 oz (340 g) California strawberries, stemmed
6 oz (170 g) onions, chunked 1 inch
3 oz (85 g) red bell pepper, chunked 1 inch
3 oz (85 g) green bell pepper, chunked 1 inch
salt, as needed

How to prepare

In a small saucepan, mix together tomato juice, water, vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and set aside.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine pineapple, strawberries, onions, and bell pepper.
Pulse the mixture on and off until finely diced.
Mix in the liquid from the saucepan and season with salt.
Pour the mixture into a non-reactive container, cover, and refrigerate.
Before serving, bring the sauce to room temperature.
For each serving, portion 0.25 cup of the sauce into a ramekin.
Serve with hot chicken fingers or cold sliced roast pork tenderloin and Russian rye bread.
Yield: 24 servings
Variations: Frozen whole California strawberries can be substituted for fresh strawberries.
For a smoother sauce for dipping, continue to process the mixture until it becomes quite smooth.

Variations

Frozen whole California strawberries can be substituted for fresh strawberries for a convenient option. For a smoother sauce, continue to process the mixture until it becomes quite smooth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely dice the pineapple, strawberries, onions, and bell peppers for a smoother texture in the sauce.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

- Refrigerate the sauce for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Serve the sauce at room temperature for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet and sour strawberry sauce with hot chicken fingers, cold sliced roast pork tenderloin, or Russian rye bread for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pulse the mixture in a food processor until finely diced for the best texture in the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite fruits or vegetables, such as mango or bell peppers, for a unique twist on the classic sweet and sour sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before serving. Bring the sauce to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sweet and sour strawberry sauce in individual ramekins for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh strawberries or herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this sauce with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or tofu for a delicious and flavorful meal. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sweet and sour strawberry sauce contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sweet and sour strawberry sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This sauce is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Sweet and sour strawberry sauce contains minimal protein, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This sauce is a good source of vitamin C from the strawberries and bell peppers.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Sweet and sour strawberry sauce is a low-calorie, low-fat condiment that is rich in vitamin C and carbohydrates.

Summary

Sweet and sour strawberry sauce is a versatile and delicious condiment that can elevate any dish with its tangy and fruity flavor. This easy-to-make sauce is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating your favorite meats and vegetables. Enjoy this unique twist on a classic recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Sweet and Sour Strawberry Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in her quaint little cottage by the lake. Mary was known for her mouth-watering desserts, and on that particular day, she was preparing a special treat for us - her famous strawberry shortcake topped with a tangy sweet and sour sauce.

As I watched her effortlessly whip up the sauce, I couldn't help but marvel at her culinary skills. I asked her where she learned to make such a delicious sauce, and she smiled as she told me the story behind the recipe.

Many years ago, Mary had traveled to a small village in Italy where she had the pleasure of dining at a charming little restaurant run by a kind elderly woman named Nonna Maria. Nonna Maria was known throughout the village for her delectable homemade sauces, and Mary was lucky enough to be invited into her kitchen to learn her secrets.

Nonna Maria showed Mary how to make the Sweet and Sour Strawberry Sauce, a recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family. Mary watched in awe as Nonna Maria expertly combined fresh strawberries, sugar, vinegar, and a touch of spice to create a sauce that was both sweet and tangy, perfect for drizzling over a simple dessert like strawberry shortcake.

Mary brought the recipe back home with her, and over the years, she had perfected it to her liking. She generously shared the recipe with me that day, and I promised to carry on the tradition of making the Sweet and Sour Strawberry Sauce for my own family and friends.

Since that day, I have made the sauce countless times, and it has become a staple in my own kitchen. I have shared the recipe with many people, and it has become a favorite amongst my friends and family. The sauce is perfect for topping desserts like ice cream, pound cake, or even pancakes. It adds a burst of flavor to any dish and never fails to impress.

I often think back to that summer day at Mary's cottage, watching her create magic in the kitchen with just a few simple ingredients. The memory of her kindness and generosity in sharing the recipe for Sweet and Sour Strawberry Sauce has stayed with me all these years, and I am grateful for the culinary inspiration she has given me.

I like to think that Nonna Maria would be proud to know that her beloved recipe has traveled across oceans and generations, bringing joy to so many people along the way. And as I continue to make the Sweet and Sour Strawberry Sauce in my own kitchen, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together, and to create lasting memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.