Pantry Friendly Tomato Sauce
Overview:
Make your kitchen sing with the aroma of this delectable Pantry Friendly Tomato Sauce recipe. Perfect for any night of the week, this sauce combines the richness of tomatoes with a symphony of herbs and spices, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and versatile. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, as a pizza sauce, or as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1-2 quarts
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 | Tomatoes |
1/4 | Sherry wine vinegar |
1/4 | Sugar |
1 | Red pepper flakes |
1 | Dried oregano |
1 | Dried basil |
1 | Onion |
1 | Carrot |
1 | Celery |
2 | Olive oil |
4 | Garlic cloves |
3 | Capers |
1/2 | White wine |
Kosher salt | |
Black pepper |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tomato Base:
- Begin by straining the tomatoes into a saucepot, capturing the juice. To the tomato juice, add sherry vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir to combine.
- Place the saucepot over high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once bubbles start forming on the surface, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- Continue simmering until the liquid reduces by half, thickening to a loose syrup consistency. Ensure to remove most of the tomato seeds during this process. Set the reduced tomato liquid aside.
-
Prepare the Vegetable Mixture:
- While the tomato base is simmering, prepare the vegetable mixture. Cut the carrot, onion, and celery into uniform sizes.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add minced garlic and the prepared vegetables to the pan.
- Sweat the vegetable mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Roast the Tomatoes:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler setting. Place the tomatoes and capers in a roasting pan.
- Broil the tomatoes on the middle rack of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- The tomatoes should develop a slight brown edge with light caramelization, enhancing their natural sweetness.
-
Combine and Finish:
- Once the tomatoes are roasted to perfection, remove the pan from the broiler and place it over two burners on the stove.
- Add white wine to the pan and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to intensify.
- Finally, add the reduced tomato liquid to the roasted tomatoes and adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences with kosher salt and black pepper.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Pantry Friendly Tomato Sauce is now ready to serve! Spoon it generously over your favorite pasta, use it as a base for homemade pizza, or simply dip crusty bread into this flavorful sauce for a delightful appetizer.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 148.6
- Total Fat: 7.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 116.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.2g
- Sugar: 12.7g
- Protein: 2.3g
Tips for Success:
- For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the roasted tomatoes before combining them with the reduced tomato liquid.
- Don’t rush the sweating process of the vegetable mixture; allowing it to cook slowly over low heat will develop deeper flavors.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. For a milder sauce, use less, or omit them entirely for a kid-friendly version.
Storage:
- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for longer preservation. Simply thaw and reheat as needed for quick and convenient meals.
Flavor Variations:
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of your sauce. Fresh basil, thyme, or a dash of balsamic vinegar can add delightful nuances to the taste.
- Incorporate roasted bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth and complexity.
- For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving, creating a luscious texture that’s sure to please.
Conclusion:
With its pantry-friendly ingredients and simple preparation, this Tomato Sauce recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends alike. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to a cozy meal at home, the vibrant flavors of this sauce are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to elevate your culinary creations with this homemade masterpiece. Cheers to good food and happy cooking! 🍅✨