Summary
A sauce that’s too salty can spoil a meal, but all is not lost! With a few simple tricks, you can reduce excess salt and save your culinary preparations. This article offers practical solutions for adjusting the taste of your sauces, whether bechamel, tomato sauce or broth, while preserving the flavors.

1. Dilute sauce

The most obvious way to reduce excess salt is to add an unsalted liquid. Depending on the recipe, this can be :

  • Water: For clear sauces or broths.
  • Salt-free broth: Ideal for preserving a rich taste.
  • Milk or cream: Perfect for creamy sauces.
    Dilute gradually, tasting to avoid altering flavours.

2. Add neutral ingredients

Add elements that will absorb or mask excess salt:

  • Raw potatoes: Dip one or two slices into the sauce and simmer for a few minutes. They absorb some of the salt. Remove before serving.
  • Vegetables: Add carrots, celery or zucchini to balance the saltiness while enriching your sauce.
  • Bread or rice: Place a piece of bread or a packet of uncooked rice in the sauce (wrapped in cheesecloth to avoid dispersing it). This works well for soups.

3. Counterbalancing flavours

To neutralize the effect of salt, play with other flavors:

  • Acidity: Add a little vinegar, lemon juice or tomato juice to distract from the salty taste. This works particularly well with tomato-based sauces.
  • Sweetness: A small amount of sugar, honey or maple syrup can soften the perception of salt. Be careful not to over-sweeten!
  • Fat: Add butter, oil or cream to soften the intensity of flavors.

4. Preparing a new base

If the above solutions aren’t enough, prepare a second salt-free sauce and mix it with the first. This will dilute the excess salt while preserving proportions and consistency.

5. Use thickeners

If the dilution has made your sauce too liquid, you can thicken it again:

  • Add cornstarch diluted in a little cold water.
  • Simmer gently to reduce the liquid.
  • Add a vegetable purée or a thickening base such as cream or grated cheese.

Prevention for next time

  • Taste as you go: Add the salt a little at a time, adjusting at the end.
  • Use unsalted ingredients: prefer low-sodium broths or bases.
  • Allow for seasoning: It’s easier to add salt than to remove it.

With these tips, you’re now ready to make up for an over-salted sauce and turn a stressful situation into a culinary triumph. Enjoy your meal!