Great Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe 🍅
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Great Basic Tomato Sauce, a recipe crafted to perfection just for you! This versatile sauce serves as a delightful base for various dishes, from pasta to meat sauces and even chili. With its rich flavor and simple ingredients, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or hosting a dinner party, this sauce promises to elevate any dish it graces.
Ingredients:
- 450g tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to preference)
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. | If you prefer a smooth sauce, start by peeling the tomatoes. To do this, immerse them in boiling water for 5 minutes. Otherwise, skip this step. 🍅 |
| 2. | After peeling (or if you opt not to), chop the tomatoes into evenly sized pieces. 🔪 |
| 3. | In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they turn soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base of the sauce. 🥄 |
| 4. | Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, fresh basil, and, if desired, dried basil to the saucepan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. 🍲 |
| 5. | Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly, enhancing its richness. ⏳ |
| 6. | Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, you can serve it as is for a chunky texture. Alternatively, for a silky smooth finish, transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. 🌪️ |
| 7. | For those craving a spicy kick, add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of chili powder to the sauce, or throw in some fresh chilies for an extra burst of heat. Adjust the amount according to your preference. 🌶️ |
| 8. | To transform this sauce into a hearty meat sauce, simply brown some minced meat separately, then add it to the tomato sauce. It’s a quick and easy way to create a flavorful topping for pasta or other dishes. 🍝 |
Serving Suggestions:
This Great Basic Tomato Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Pour it over your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal, use it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables for a burst of flavor. Get creative and experiment with different dishes to discover new and exciting flavor combinations! 🍽️
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 63.6
- Fat: 3.6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 7.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.6g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 4.2g
- Protein: 1.4g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this sauce according to your taste preferences. Add extra herbs like oregano or thyme for a more robust flavor profile, or toss in some diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer-term storage. Simply thaw and reheat whenever you’re in need of a quick and delicious sauce.
- Don’t hesitate to double or triple the recipe to have extra on hand for future meals or to share with friends and family. After all, good food is meant to be enjoyed and shared! 🌟
