🍅 Arugula and Plum Tomato Sauce 🌿
Arugula and Plum Tomato Sauce is a delightful and vibrant sauce that combines the peppery goodness of arugula with the rich, sweet flavor of plum tomatoes. This sauce is a perfect complement to pasta, pizza, or as a topping for various dishes.
📜 History:
The history of this sauce can be traced back to Italian cuisine, where tomatoes have been a staple ingredient for centuries. The combination of arugula and plum tomatoes is a modern twist on classic Italian tomato-based sauces. It’s a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that has gained popularity in contemporary cooking.
🥦 Components:
- Arugula: Arugula, also known as rocket or rucola, is a leafy green with a distinct peppery flavor. It adds a unique zing to the sauce.
- Plum Tomatoes: Plum tomatoes, also called Roma tomatoes, are known for their sweet and meaty texture, making them ideal for sauce.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil serves as the base for the sauce and adds a rich, savory undertone.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are used to infuse the sauce with their aromatic essence.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These provide a hint of spiciness, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the sauce.
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
- Start by blanching the plum tomatoes. Cut a small ‘X’ on the bottom of each tomato, then plunge them into boiling water for about 30 seconds. This will make it easier to peel the skin. After blanching, transfer the tomatoes to an ice water bath and peel the skin off.
- Coarsely chop the peeled plum tomatoes and set them aside.
- Heat a pan over medium heat, add olive oil, and sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until they break down and become a chunky sauce.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to add some heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, fold in the fresh arugula and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the arugula to wilt and blend with the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the arugula; it should maintain its vibrant green color.
🕒 Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for Arugula and Plum Tomato Sauce is approximately 30-40 minutes, making it a relatively quick and easy sauce to whip up.
This sauce is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire, whether you want to dress up your pasta or add a pop of flavor to your pizza. Its fresh and vibrant taste, coupled with the delightful peppery notes of arugula, makes it a favorite for those who appreciate the fusion of flavors in modern Italian cuisine. 🍝🍕🇮🇹 Enjoy!
Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Arugula and Plum Tomato Sauce:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories per 1/2 cup serving
- Total Fat: 3-4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5-1 gram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 200-250 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 6-8 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 3-4 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 20-30% of the DV
- Vitamin K: 15-20% of the DV
- Folate: 5-10% of the DV
- Potassium: 8-10% of the DV
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Arugula and plum tomatoes are low in calories, making this sauce a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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Rich in Vitamins: The sauce provides a significant amount of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, which are essential for overall health and well-being.
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Dietary Fiber: The sauce contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help you feel full and satisfied.
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Low Saturated Fat: This sauce is low in saturated fat, which is a heart-healthy choice.
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Low in Cholesterol: There is no cholesterol in this sauce, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions related to cholesterol.
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Antioxidants: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain diseases.
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Potassium: The sauce contains a moderate amount of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
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Vitamin Folate: Folate is necessary for cell division and may be beneficial, especially for pregnant individuals.
Please note that the specific nutritional content may vary based on the exact ingredients and proportions used in your preparation. Additionally, these values are approximate and should be used as a general guideline.
