Tasso Ham Cream Sauce

Tasso ham cream sauce is such a condiment that goes well with almost everything. Starting from pasta to vegetables, this sauce complements every dish. 

The tasso ham is a Cajun speciality. You will find here seasoned pork, which is smoked to add richness. When you blend it into a cream sauce, you can compare it to the sauce of restaurants.

Be it a quick snack or a dinner party, tasso ham white sauce can be your go-to for all dishes. So, it’s best to prepare it and have it as a savior in your home. With a homemade version, you can customise it as per your desires.

Know About The Tasso Ham Cream Sauce

The creamy tasso sauce is like a Cajun cream sauce with tasso. It’s a spicy, creamy, and smoky delight because it is seasoned and has smoked pork. This sauce is quite famous in Cajun cuisine. Just try pairing it up with your pasta, shrimp, or grilled chicken. You will feel the flavor more. 

Ingredients You Need

To make your perfect tasso ham sauce, make sure you have these ingredients with you. 

Tasso Ham

Use ¼ pound diced tasso ham. It’s mainly Cajun-style smoked pork that will give a smoky, deep flavor to the sauce.

Vegetable Oil

You will need 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to sauté the tasso. This will help release the flavor without sticking. 

Shallots

For a subtle sweetness, use 2 tablespoons of minced shallots. The sauce will get depth with this.

Garlic

Use 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for a savory flavor. Thanks to the aroma it has.

Heavy Cream

Take 1 ½ cups of heavy cream to give a velvety base to the sauce. 

Green Onions

To add a fresh, mild flavor and a pop of color, you will need 2 tablespoons of green onion.

Hot Sauce 

1 tablespoon of hot sauce can give a spicy kick to the sauce. Also, its creaminess will be in balance. 

Fresh Lemon Juice

Use ½ teaspoon of lemon juice to provide some acidity and richness to the sauce.

Salt

¼ teaspoon of salt is enough to enhance the flavor.

Unsalted Butter

For a silky finish and depth, you will need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

How To Make Tasso Ham Cream Sauce With 5 Simple Steps?

After gathering all the required ingredients, let’s start with the cream sauce recipe. 

Step 1

Firstly, you have to sauté the tasso. So take a large saucepan and heat the vegetable oil in medium-high heat. Then add the diced tasso ham, cook it, and stir it for 1 minute or until it turns brown and releases aroma.

Step 2

Now add aromatics. For that, put minced shallots and garlic in the pan. Sauté for another one minute so that the ham becomes translucent and releases fragrance. But make sure that it doesn’t burn.

Step 3

Next, pour the heavy cream and keep stirring it. Let the mixture boil and reduce the heat slightly. Then let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and reduce it by half.

Step 4

Season the sauce with chopped green onions, hot sauce, fresh lemon juice, and salt. Stir them to combine and let the flavors meld together. 

Step 5

Lastly, add the unsalted butter to the sauce. Stir it until it fully incorporates. This will give a glossy finish to the sauce. Then remove the sauce from the heat and adjust the seasoning if needed.

How To Adjust The Creaminess?

Sometimes, we make the creamy tasso sauce too thick or too thin. In that case, follow these tricks:

To thicken more: If your sauce turns out very thin, you can thicken it by simmering the sauce a bit more, but uncovered. Or you can add some cheese to it. 

To thin it more: If your sauce turns out very thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the sauce while stirring it. 

For a dairy-free version (pro tip): If you are lactose-intolerant or don’t want to consume dairy products, use coconut cream or heavy oil instead of the heavy cream.

Best Dishes To Serve With Tasso Ham Cream Sauce

Here are some of the dishes that go best with tasso ham cream sauce

• Pasta
• Grilled or blackened chicken
• Seared shrimp or scallops
• Crispy roasted vegetables 
• Baked salmon
• Mashed potatoes 
• Cajun rice
• Grits or polenta

Special Tips

• To make the sauce thicker, simmer the sauce more before adding cheese. 
• Add 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey to balance the spice level.
• Use some grated cheese to avoid clumping in the sauce.
• Don’t boil the cream; just simmer it for the best texture. 
• Store the leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on a low temperature. 

Conclusion 

This spicy ham sauce can enhance the flavor of both ordinary dinners and gourmet meals. You won’t need any fancy cooking skills to prepare it. You just need a tasso ham, heavy cream, shallots, and some common ingredients that are available in everyone’s house.

To get the best out of your Creole tasso sauce, prepare it by yourself. In this case, you can adjust the creaminess and flavor and choose an alternative for the cream. And don’t forget to try it with pasta and grilled chicken, especially.

FAQ

What is Tasso Ham, and How is It Used in Cream Sauce?

Tasso ham is a lean, smoked pork and a Cajun speciality dish. It is cured, seasoned, and smoked to give a spicy flavor. You will see tasso ham in cream sauce dishes, like grits and shrimp. 

How Spicy is Tasso Ham Cream Sauce?

Tasso ham cream sauce generally has a moderate spice level when made from tasso ham itself. However, the spice level can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of tasso.

What Dishes Pair Best With Tasso Cream Sauce?

Tasso cream sauce goes best with rice, pasta, grit cakes, baked salmon, and many more.

Can You Freeze Tasso Ham Cream Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze tasso ham cream sauce, but the texture won’t be like before. So, thaw the sauce before using it. This will allow you to re-emulsify the sauce by heating and stirring.