sugar in tomato sauce meals?

Question

i put sugar in anything that is tomato based like chili, golash etc ... everyone thinks its weird...am i the only one in the world who does this??

Answer 1

your not weird but, it is not healthy. sugar is know to cut the acidity of tomatoes and also cool down the heat in chili.
why not try a spoonfull of honey in your chili, it is much healthier.
try grated carrots in your tomatoe sauce....it is a very italian thing to do...it helps sweeten sauce.

Answer 2

No you are not. When I start a sauce I put some olive oil in a frying pan. when the oil is hot, add onion, garlic, carrot, celery and meat and let brown. Add wine and let it evaporate. Then add the tomato (crushed, passata, whatever), salt to taste
and sugar (I always add sugar whenever I used tomatoes, because as they cook they release the acid taste, so the sugar counteracts it.
In Sicily they use cinnamon sticks instead of sugar). Let cook on a low boil for about an hour and a half. Remember the tomato sauce will reduce, so add a little more than you think is enough, or add less if you want the sauce quite runny.

Answer 3

Nope, as long as you only use a touch, this is what proffesional cooks do as well. It ballences out the acids, this is especially important when making tomato sauce from scratch. If you are adding it to premade sauces then it is a little odd depending on the breand you use, most brands already have sugar added. Just read the list of ingredients.

Answer 4

Not at all, I put sugar in tomato sauces. Especially ones that include red wine or Sherri. The sugar cuts down on the acidity of the wine in the final sauce. Just don't put too much. That tastes weird. : (

Answer 5

No. I made chili the other day and it was too bitter.The sugar seemed to balance the taste.There's a lot of acid in tomato based receipes and sometimes it needs it.

Answer 6

No, I learned to do this a long time ago. I always add a spoonful of sugar to tomato sauce, chili, etc. It cuts the tartness and makes it taste better.

Answer 7

Though I don't put sugar in my chili, the sugar helps with the acid in the tomatoes. An experienced cook/chef would know this.

Answer 8

No, I know of people who do this, but it makes little sense, since a tomato has sugar in it naturally, especially if it is ripe.
I feel the sugar overpowers the great natural tomato flavor

Answer 9

I only use sugar in tomato sauce if I don't have a long time to simmer it and take the "bite" out of it. But if I put to much...ugh!

Answer 10

I usually add some to my spaghetti sauce. Anything made with tomato sauce or paste can be slightly bitter so add some if you want. I do not think you are weird.