Simple Tomato Sauce Recipe: Fresh, Versatile, and Nutritious

Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce traces its roots to classic Italian cuisine, known for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Traditional recipes handed down through generations favor this uncomplicated preparation that highlights the natural sweetness of tomatoes. This sauce is both timeless and versatile, making it a staple in many households.

Overview of Key Ingredients

Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, tomatoes form the base of the sauce, providing rich flavor and texture.

Garlic: Minced garlic imparts a subtle aromatic depth to the sauce.

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness and brings out the flavors of the tomatoes and garlic.

Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt balances the acidity and elevates the overall taste.

Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that’s quintessential to Italian cooking.

• Onion: Diced onions can add sweetness.
• Pepper: Crushed black pepper adds a mild heat.
• Sugar: A pinch can balance out overly acidic tomatoes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those preferring a spicy kick.

These ingredients ensure your Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce is flavorful while remaining easy to prepare.

How to Make Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Select Tomatoes: Choose 6-8 ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes, known for their firmness and low water content, are ideal.
2. Blanch Tomatoes: Place tomatoes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until skins start to peel. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt cooking.
3. Peel and Chop: Peel the skins off the blanched tomatoes and chop them finely.
4. Prepare Ingredients: Mince 4 garlic cloves and finely chop 1 onion; these aromatics enhance flavor.
5. Heat Olive Oil: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large saucepan over medium heat. Heat oil until it shimmers.
6. Saute Aromatics: Add minced garlic and chopped onion to heated oil. Saute for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
7. Add Tomatoes: Incorporate chopped tomatoes into the saucepan with the sautéed garlic and onion.
8. Season Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
9. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
10. Add Basil: Stir in 10 fresh basil leaves in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added flavor.

• Consistency: For a thicker sauce, cook longer or remove excess liquid.
• Blending: Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture; blend after simmering.
• Freshness: Opt for fresh basil instead of dried to maintain a vibrant taste.
• Acidity Balance: If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a small amount of sugar.
• Storage: Store sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
• Versatility: Enhance the sauce with additional herbs like oregano or thyme for different flavor profiles.

Use these steps and tips to perfect your Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce, ensuring each dish is flavorful and fresh.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes, central to this sauce, offer numerous health benefits. High in vitamin C, they bolster your immune system, helping ward off illnesses. Rich in lycopene, tomatoes may reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Essential antioxidants in tomatoes protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, contributing to overall cellular health.

Fiber in tomatoes aids digestion, promoting a healthy gut. They contain potassium, which is crucial for heart health, helping manage blood pressure levels. The vitamin K in tomatoes supports bone health, assisting in proper bone mineralization. Including tomatoes in your diet can also improve skin health due to their high content of beta-carotene.

Caloric Content

Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce, mainly composed of tomatoes, is low in calories. One cup of tomato sauce typically contains about 90 calories. This makes it an excellent choice for those monitoring their caloric intake, allowing you to enjoy flavorful dishes without excessive calories. The sauce is also low in fat, contributing to a well-balanced diet.

Olive oil in the sauce provides healthy monounsaturated fats, supporting heart health. Garlic and onions, used to enhance flavor, add negligible calories but offer additional nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants. With minimal sugar and oil, this sauce remains low in calories while delivering essential nutrients from high-quality ingredients.

Versatility of Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce

Uses in Various Cuisines

Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce fits perfectly across different cuisines due to its balanced flavor. In Italian dishes, use it as a base for pasta, pizza, and lasagna. Mexican dishes like enchiladas and chilaquiles benefit from its rich taste. Mediterranean recipes such as shakshuka and ratatouille gain depth when incorporating this sauce. Even American classics like meatloaf and sloppy joes see enhanced flavors with this tomato blend.

Pairing Ideas

Pair Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce with a variety of ingredients to create diverse meals. Combine it with grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a healthy option. Enhance grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or pork by spooning sauce over them. Use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like mozzarella sticks or garlic bread. Mix with beans and rice for a hearty side dish or insert it into stuffed peppers or eggplant for a robust meal.

Conclusion

Creating an Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce is more than just a culinary task; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and timeless flavors. With just a few steps, you can transform basic components into a versatile sauce that enhances any meal. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta or adding it to meatloaf, this sauce brings a burst of natural sweetness and nutritional benefits to your dishes. Embrace the simplicity and versatility of this recipe, and you’ll always have a go-to option for elevating your culinary creations.