Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta & Pizza Sauce Recipe
Description: The Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta & Pizza Sauce is a beautifully simple and flavorful sauce that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe, red tomatoes. Roasting the tomatoes in the oven brings out their deep, rich flavor, which is then blended into a smooth, velvety sauce that can be used for pasta or as a pizza topping. The addition of garlic, onion, and a dash of red chili flakes adds an aromatic and slightly spicy kick, perfect for elevating any dish.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main (Pasta or Pizza)
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 1 kg (cut into halves) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (peeled) |
| Onion | 1 medium (thickly sliced) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure that it is hot enough to roast the tomatoes perfectly.
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them in half, removing the cores and stems for a smoother sauce later.
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Arrange the Ingredients: Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up. Tuck the peeled garlic cloves in between the tomatoes, allowing them to roast alongside the tomatoes for added flavor. Scatter the thick onion slices around the tomatoes to roast them as well.
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Add Seasoning: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Sprinkle salt and red chili flakes over the vegetables for seasoning.
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Roast the Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft, and the skins begin to brown. The roasting process will caramelize the natural sugars in the tomatoes, creating a rich, flavorful base for your sauce.
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Blend the Sauce: Once the roasted tomatoes have cooled down enough to handle, transfer them (in batches if necessary) to a blender or food processor. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a smooth, pureed consistency. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse it less.
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Season the Sauce: After blending, transfer the sauce back to the stove and bring it to a brisk boil. Add salt to taste, a teaspoon of sugar to balance out the acidity, and a pinch of red chili flakes for that subtle heat. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Store or Use: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, it is ready to be used on pasta or pizza. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight bottle or container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Tomato Sauce:
- Tomato Variety: Using ripe, flavorful tomatoes will make a big difference in the taste of your sauce. Heirloom or plum tomatoes are great choices for roasting.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes according to your preferred spice level. You can also omit them for a milder sauce.
- Herb Variations: For an added herbal kick, you can toss in some fresh basil or oregano before roasting for a more traditional Italian flavor.
Enjoy this homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta & Pizza Sauce as the base for your favorite pasta dishes, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. It’s a versatile, aromatic sauce that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen!
