Sauces, Salsas, and Chutneys

Sauces, salsas, and chutneys are designed either to underline the intrinsic flavor of an ingredient or to accent it by juxtaposing it with other flavors. Sauces that accent by juxtaposing are accompaniments that are often passed at the table and are usually called condiments. A sauce can be derived from the juices released as certain foods cook, or it can be made with completely separate ingredients. A salsa is usually a combination of chopped raw ingredients, such as tomatoes, avocados, mangoes, or cucumbers, often mixed with some olive oil, yogurt, cream, or other liquid. A chutney usually contains cooked ingredients, often salty, and often has sweet-and-sour elements (such as vinegar and sugar).