Is Spaghetti Sauce Supposed to Be Sweet?
Spaghetti sauce, traditionally, is not supposed to be sweet. However, the question arises in light of recent culinary experiments and deviations from the classic recipe. Let's delve deeper into the reasons behind the natural sweetness of some sauces and explore where sweet flavors might find a place in your spaghetti dishes.
The Natural Sweetness of Tomatoes
A sauce made with good ripe tomatoes of the “cherry” or “date” variety is very lightly sweet. This natural sweetness is a defining characteristic of many high-quality tomato sauces. When using these varieties of tomatoes, a subtle hint of sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the richness of the tomatoes. However, it's important to note that this sweetness is inherent to the tomatoes themselves and not added through sugar.
The Misconception of Sweetness in Spaghetti Sauce
Despite the natural sweetness of tomatoes, it is a misconception that spaghetti sauce is intended to be sweet. In authentic Italian cuisine, sweet sauces for spaghetti do not exist. While some seafood dishes might have a sweet aftertaste, spaghetti sauce is generally free from added sugars. The few instances of sweet risottos or sweet dressings for stuffed pasta like ravioli are exceptions rather than the rule.
The Role of Sugar as a Seasoning
On a technical level, sugar can be used as a seasoning – a small amount to uplift the other flavors in the sauce but not enough to make it sweet. This technique is often employed by chefs to enhance the overall flavor balance. However, the decision to use sugar in a tomato sauce is subjective and can depend on personal preference. It's not uncommon for chefs, especially those influenced by Italian cooking, to eschew sugar altogether, as it is not a traditional additive in spaghetti sauce.
Personal Preferences and Variations
Whether a sauce should be sweet is a matter of personal preference. The NY Times points out that while many classic Italian pasta sauces do not contain added sugar, there are variations that do. For instance, Filipino-style spaghetti incorporates ketchup as an ingredient, adding a sweet element to the dish. So, it's not impossible to find sweet elements in the spaghetti sauce you're used to, but it's not standard in traditional Italian cuisine.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Spaghetti sauce is not just one thing. If you're referring to the basic tomato sauce, the answer is yes, up to a point. The natural sweetness of good tomatoes is perceptible in the sauce, but it should not be sugary. However, there are special cases and exceptions to consider.
Specialty Spaghetti-Based Desserts: There is a unique product called spaghetti ice cream (spaghettiis or spaghettieis), which contains a strawberry sauce. This is popular in southern Germany and places frequented by southern German tourists. These desserts are not regular spaghetti sauce but rather a sweet dessert that uses the term "spaghetti" due to the long, thin consistency of the dessert.
In conclusion, while many traditional spaghetti sauces are not sweet, there are certainly exceptions and variations that incorporate sweet flavors, whether for special desserts or as an authentic variation in different cultures. Whether to add a touch of sweetness to your spaghetti sauce is ultimately a matter of personal taste and cultural influence.