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Spanish Sauce

A historical recipe from The Golden Rule Cook Book, by Sharpe, M. R. L. (Maud Russell Lorraine) (1912).

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A historical recipe

The Golden Rule Cook Book: Six hundred recipes for meatless dishes, by Sharpe, M. R. L. (Maud Russell Lorraine) (1912). Project Gutenberg eBook #55555.

From an old book: a historical recipe, not current advice. Its methods, additives and storage may be unsafe by today's standards.

Ingredients 14 ingredients

  1. 5 cups of red beans
  2. 2 quarts of water
  3. 3 sprigs of parsley
  4. 1 cup of carrots quartered
  5. 1/2 cup of diced turnips
  6. 1 tablespoon of salt
  7. 1 teaspoon of thyme
  8. 1 teaspoon of allspice berries
  9. 2 tablespoons of butter
  10. 2 tablespoons of flour
  11. 2 cups have been used
  12. 1 teaspoon of brown colouring
  13. 1 tablespoon of sherry
  14. 3 onions

Possible health benefits

General information, not medical advice.

  1. Parsley High in vitamin A · High in vitamin K · High in vitamin C · +5

    High in vitamin A · 421 µg per 100 g, 53% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation.

    Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. NIH fact sheet

    High in vitamin K · 1640 µg per 100 g, 2187% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting.
    • Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

    Vitamin K is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. It’s important for blood clotting and healthy bones and also has other functions in the body. NIH fact sheet

    High in vitamin C · 133 mg per 100 g, 166% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage.
    11 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E.
    • Vitamin C increases iron absorption.

    Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient found in some foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. NIH fact sheet

    High in folate · 152 µg per 100 g, 76% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
    • Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis.
    • Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    • Folate contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Folate has a role in the process of cell division.

    Folate is a B-vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Your body needs folate to make DNA and other genetic material. NIH fact sheet

    High in iron · 6.2 mg per 100 g, 44% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Iron contributes to normal cognitive function.
    • Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
    4 more authorised claims
    • Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.
    • Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Iron has a role in the process of cell division.

    Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. NIH fact sheet

    High in protein · 3.0 g per 100 g, 33% of the energy from protein

    • Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

    Source of potassium · 554 mg per 100 g, 28% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Potassium contributes to normal muscle function.
    • Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

    Potassium is a mineral found in many foods. Your body needs potassium for almost everything it does, including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. NIH fact sheet

    Source of calcium · 138 mg per 100 g, 17% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Calcium contributes to normal blood clotting.
    • Calcium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission.
    • Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.
    • Calcium has a role in the process of cell division and specialisation.
    • Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Calcium is a mineral your body needs to build and maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Parsley, fresh”, USDA FoodData Central.

  2. Turnip Source of vitamin C · Source of protein

    Source of vitamin C · 21 mg per 100 g, 26% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage.
    11 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E.
    • Vitamin C increases iron absorption.

    Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient found in some foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. NIH fact sheet

    Source of protein · 0.9 g per 100 g, 13% of the energy from protein

    • Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Turnips, raw”, USDA FoodData Central.

  3. Thymus vulgaris High in vitamin C · High in riboflavin · High in potassium · +11

    High in vitamin C · 160 mg per 100 g, 200% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage.
    11 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E.
    • Vitamin C increases iron absorption.

    Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient found in some foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. NIH fact sheet

    High in riboflavin · 0.5 mg per 100 g, 34% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Riboflavin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
    6 more authorised claims
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal red blood cells.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the normal metabolism of iron.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

    Riboflavin (also called vitamin B2) is important for the growth, development, and function of the cells in your body. It also helps turn the food you eat into the energy you need. NIH fact sheet

    High in potassium · 609 mg per 100 g, 30% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Potassium contributes to normal muscle function.
    • Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

    Potassium is a mineral found in many foods. Your body needs potassium for almost everything it does, including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. NIH fact sheet

    High in calcium · 405 mg per 100 g, 51% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Calcium contributes to normal blood clotting.
    • Calcium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission.
    • Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.
    • Calcium has a role in the process of cell division and specialisation.
    • Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Calcium is a mineral your body needs to build and maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. NIH fact sheet

    High in magnesium · 160 mg per 100 g, 43% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    7 more authorised claims
    • Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
    • Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division.

    Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA. NIH fact sheet

    High in iron · 17 mg per 100 g, 125% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Iron contributes to normal cognitive function.
    • Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
    4 more authorised claims
    • Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.
    • Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Iron has a role in the process of cell division.

    Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. NIH fact sheet

    High in copper · 0.6 mg per 100 g, 56% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues.
    • Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body.
    • Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. NIH fact sheet

    High in manganese · 1.7 mg per 100 g, 86% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Manganese is a mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses manganese to make energy and protect your cells from damage. NIH fact sheet

    High in protein · 5.6 g per 100 g, 22% of the energy from protein

    • Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

    Source of vitamin A · 238 µg per 100 g, 30% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation.

    Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. NIH fact sheet

    Source of vitamin B6 · 0.3 mg per 100 g, 25% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal cysteine synthesis.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    7 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal red blood cell formation.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.

    Vitamin B6 is a vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. The body needs vitamin B6 for more than 100 enzyme reactions involved in metabolism. NIH fact sheet

    Source of folate · 45 µg per 100 g, 23% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
    • Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis.
    • Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    • Folate contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Folate has a role in the process of cell division.

    Folate is a B-vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Your body needs folate to make DNA and other genetic material. NIH fact sheet

    Source of phosphorus · 106 mg per 100 g, 15% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. NIH fact sheet

    Source of zinc · 1.8 mg per 100 g, 18% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis.
    • Zinc contributes to normal acid-base metabolism.
    • Zinc contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism.
    15 more authorised claims
    • Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function.
    • Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.
    • Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism.
    • Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of fatty acids.
    • Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of vitamin A.
    • Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
    • Zinc has a role in the process of cell division.

    Zinc is a nutrient that people need to stay healthy. Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Thyme, fresh”, USDA FoodData Central.

  4. Flour Source of phosphorus · Source of copper · Source of manganese · +1

    Source of phosphorus · 106 mg per 100 g, 15% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. NIH fact sheet

    Source of copper · 0.2 mg per 100 g, 17% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues.
    • Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body.
    • Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. NIH fact sheet

    Source of manganese · 0.6 mg per 100 g, 28% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Manganese is a mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses manganese to make energy and protect your cells from damage. NIH fact sheet

    Source of selenium · 10 µg per 100 g, 19% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
    • Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Your thyroid gland needs selenium to produce hormones and function properly. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Flour, 00”, USDA FoodData Central.

Claims: EU Register of health claims (Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, © European Union, CC BY 4.0), shown only where the ingredient meets the claim's conditions (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006). Nutrients: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). Facts: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (public domain).

Cook safely

Keep children and pets away from the hob and the oven, and keep oven gloves and a lid within reach.

  • Boiling water and steam. Turn pan handles inward, away from the edge of the hob. Lift lids away from you, and pour hot water away from your body: steam burns too.
  • Sharp knives. Cut on a board that doesn't slip (a damp cloth under it helps), and curl the fingers of the hand that holds the food.

Method

  1. This is a rich sauce which is used as a basis for many sauces, and can be made at a leisure time and used any time within a few days.
  2. Any stock in which vegetables have been cooked may be used, but the best one is made as follows: Wash 4 or 5 cups of red beans or lentils, and after soaking them in 2 quarts of water for ten hours or more empty them with the same water into a saucepan, and put with them 3 onions halved, 3 sprigs of parsley, 1 cup of carrots quartered, 1/2 cup of diced turnips, 1 tablespoon of salt, 2 stalks of celery cut in short lengths, and a small bag containing 1 teaspoon of thyme, 2 bay leaves, 6 cloves, 6 whole peppers, and 1 teaspoon of allspice berries.
  3. Let boil hard for one minute, then set on the stove where it will simmer slowly for two hours.
  4. Strain the broth through a fine sieve, and use the vegetables in a stew, a deep pie, or a curry.
  5. To finish the Spanish sauce put 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, and when melted stir into it 2 tablespoons of flour and let brown, stirring constantly;
  6. then add a little stock at a time until about 2 cups have been used and the sauce is the consistency of thick cream.
  7. Darken with 1 teaspoon of brown colouring, add 1 tablespoon of sherry, and pepper and salt.

Plating

Cookware for this recipe

  • Saucepan
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sieve
Source Public domain in the USA
Credit

From The Golden Rule Cook Book, by Sharpe, M. R. L. (Maud Russell Lorraine) (1912). Digitised by Project Gutenberg, eBook #55555 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55555). Public domain in the USA; its status may differ elsewhere.

What was changed: As printed, from the book's text; Project Gutenberg's header and licence removed. Ingredient lines were read out of the text by a program. A historical recipe, not current advice.