All Purpose Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s known for its rich, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. Here’s the information you requested:
What is it:
Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is a sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, which are tomatoes that have been dried to remove their moisture content, intensifying their flavor. This sauce is commonly used as a pasta sauce, pizza topping, or a condiment for sandwiches and appetizers.
History:
Sun-dried tomatoes have been used for centuries, primarily as a method of preserving tomatoes in regions with abundant sunshine. The practice of sun-drying tomatoes dates back to ancient times in Mediterranean countries like Italy. Over time, people realized the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and started incorporating them into various recipes, leading to the creation of sun-dried tomato sauce.
Components:
The basic components of Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce typically include:
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Basil (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper
- Other seasonings like oregano or thyme (optional)
Steps to Prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
Here’s a simple recipe for Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil), soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 2-3 fresh basil leaves, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the soaked and drained sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and basil.
- Pulse until the mixture forms a thick, chunky paste. You can adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil if needed.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that sun-dried tomatoes can be quite salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
- Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is about 30 minutes, including the soaking time for the sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a quick and easy sauce to make, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your dishes.
Enjoy your homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce in pasta, as a pizza sauce, on sandwiches, or as a dip for appetizers. It adds a delightful Mediterranean twist to your meals!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for All Purpose Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
Nutrition Facts (per 1/4 cup serving):
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 2g
Vitamins and Minerals (approximate values):
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Health Information:
- Low in Calories: With only 90 calories per 1/4 cup serving, Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce can be a relatively low-calorie addition to your meals.
- Good Source of Vitamins: It’s a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, providing about 15% of the daily recommended intake for each of these essential vitamins.
- Dietary Fiber: The sauce contains 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
- Low in Cholesterol and Saturated Fat: It is a low-cholesterol and low-saturated fat condiment, making it a heart-healthy choice.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which may help protect cells from damage.
- Potential for Iron Intake: With 6% of the daily recommended intake for iron, this sauce can contribute to meeting your iron needs.
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation method used. It’s always a good idea to check product labels or use a nutrition calculator for precise information based on your exact recipe.
