Introduction
Hero Tomato Sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that brings out the natural sweetness of tomatoes. This easy-to-make sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizzas and risottos, making it a staple in any kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this tomato sauce recipe is perfect for elevating your meals.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1.5 kg ripe tomatoes
– 2 medium onions, peeled and roughly chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
– 1 carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
– 1 celery stick, roughly chopped
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, to serve (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 liter of sauce
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by rinsing the tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems and any blemishes you see on them.
Step 2: Score the Tomatoes
Using a sharp knife, make a small cross at the bottom of each tomato. This will help in peeling them later.
Step 3: Blanch the Tomatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the scored tomatoes to the boiling water for about 30 seconds to a minute.
Step 4: Ice Bath
Immediately transfer the blanched tomatoes to a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
Step 5: Peel the Tomatoes
Once the tomatoes are cool, you can easily peel off the skin starting from the scored cross.
Step 6: Chop the Tomatoes
Chop the peeled tomatoes into small pieces. Set them aside in a bowl.
Step 7: Start Cooking
In a large pot, heat a good drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened.
Step 8: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 9: Combine Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
Step 10: Season the Sauce
Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs such as basil or oregano. Stir to incorporate the flavors.
Step 11: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the tomato sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 12: Adjust Consistency
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for longer. If too thick, add a splash of water.
Step 13: Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a bit of sugar to balance the acidity.
Step 14: Blend (Optional)
For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend to your desired consistency.
Step 15: Serve or Store
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, or let it cool and store in jars in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Notes
Note 1: Tomato Varieties
Using a mix of different types of tomatoes can enhance the flavor of your sauce.
Note 2: Herb Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences.
Note 3: Storage Tips
The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs well with various pasta shapes, grilled chicken, or in vegetable dishes.
Cook techniques
Chopping and Preparation
Chop the onions, garlic, and tomatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Sautéing
Sauté the vegetables in olive oil over medium heat until softened and aromatic, which helps to build a rich flavor base.
Simmering
Allow the sauce to simmer gently to meld the flavors together. This process enhances the taste and thickens the sauce.
Blending
For a smooth consistency, blend the sauce after cooking, either using a blender or immersion blender, based on your texture preference.
Seasoning
Adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking, adding salt, pepper, and herbs to taste for maximum flavor impact.
Storing
Cool the sauce completely before storing. Keep it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative and will still yield a delicious sauce.
What herbs can I add to the sauce?
You can add fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the flavor.
How long can I store the tomato sauce?
The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for several months.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for different diets?
Yes, the sauce is vegetarian and can be made vegan if you ensure no animal-based ingredients are used.
Conclusion
The Hero Tomato Sauce is a versatile and delicious base that can elevate a variety of dishes. Its rich flavor profile creates a delicious foundation for pastas, pizzas, and other dishes, making it a staple in any kitchen. With its simplicity and depth of taste, you can easily turn everyday ingredients into something special.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pasta Primavera
Combine your Hero Tomato Sauce with a mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a fresh and colorful pasta dish.
Shakshuka
Use the tomato sauce as a base for a hearty shakshuka. Simply poach eggs in the sauce and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Margherita Pizza
Spread your Hero Tomato Sauce on pizza dough, top with fresh mozzarella and basil for a classic Margherita pizza.
Stuffed Peppers
Mix the tomato sauce with cooked rice and your choice of proteins, then stuff into halved bell peppers and bake until tender.
Eggplant Parmesan
Layer the tomato sauce with slices of breaded and fried eggplant, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting Eggplant Parmesan.
Vegetable Ratatouille
Incorporate the hero tomato sauce into a Ratatouille, combining it with roasted eggplant, zucchini, and peppers for a hearty vegetable dish.
Tomato Soup
Blend the Hero Tomato Sauce with vegetable stock, cream, and fresh herbs for a creamy tomato soup that pairs beautifully with grilled cheese.