Tomato sauce

Tomato Sauce: The Delight That Complements Any Meal

Cooking is an art, and tomato sauce is one of the most essential colors in this art palette. Whether you use it to accompany pasta, pizza, or vegetables, this simple and quick sauce will add a splash of flavor to your plate. In this recipe, I will show you step by step how to prepare a delicious and aromatic tomato sauce, perfect for delighting your family and friends.

Total time: 25 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 350 ml tomato puree (or 2-3 well-ripened fresh tomatoes)
- 50 ml homemade ketchup (optional, for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 vegetable stock cube (can be beef or mushroom)
- 20 ml olive or sunflower oil
- 1-2 tablespoons vinegar (to taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons flour
- Pepper and paprika, to taste
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley, for garnish

A bit of history:
Tomato sauce has its origins in ancient culinary traditions, being used as a base in many recipes around the world. Over time, it has evolved to adapt to available tastes and ingredients, becoming a universal favorite. Whether used in meat dishes, pasta, or pizza, tomato sauce brings a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. If using fresh tomatoes, wash them well and peel them. You can easily do this by dipping them in hot water for a minute, then in cold water.

2. Boiling the liquid: In a pot, add 200 ml of water along with the puree (or broth) and a teaspoon of sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Mixing the tomatoes: In another pot, heat 20 ml of oil over low heat. Add the ketchup or finely chopped tomatoes and mix well. This is when the flavors begin to reveal themselves.

4. Adding the flour: Once the tomato mixture is well incorporated, gradually add 3-4 tablespoons of flour, continuously mixing with a whisk to avoid lumps. This will give the sauce a creamy texture.

5. Adding the boiling liquid: After 10-15 seconds, pour the hot liquid into the tomato mixture, stirring vigorously to integrate all ingredients. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and tasty sauce.

6. Cooking the sauce: Continue to cook the sauce over low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice how the sauce thickens and the flavors intensify.

7. Final seasonings: At the end, add pepper, vinegar, and, if necessary, salt or sugar to balance the taste. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a symphony of flavors.

8. Serving: Once the sauce is ready, pour it into a sauce boat and garnish with a few chopped parsley sprigs. This will not only add a color contrast but also bring a fresh note.

Serving suggestions:
This tomato sauce is very versatile and can be served alongside a variety of dishes. You can use it for:
- Stuffed peppers
- Meat pot roast
- Sautéed vegetables
- Pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
- Pizza
- Moussaka

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, canned tomatoes are an excellent option, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season. Make sure to choose varieties without additives.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking for a sauce with a bit of heat.

3. What other spices can I add?
Oregano, basil, or even thyme can add an extra flavor to your sauce.

Nutritional benefits:
Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, tomatoes contain vitamins C and K, potassium, and folic acid, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Vegan option:
For a vegan version, make sure the ketchup used is free from animal-derived ingredients and you can omit the stock cube, using fresh vegetables of your choice instead.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I encourage you to try this simple and delicious tomato sauce recipe. Whether you serve it at a family dinner or at a party with friends, I am sure it will quickly become a favorite. Dare to experiment with flavors and ingredients and enjoy the cooking process!

 Ingredients: 350 ml broth, 2-3 tomatoes or 50 ml homemade ketchup from tomatoes and red peppers, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon or 1 cube vegetable concentrate (beef, mushrooms), 20 ml oil, 1-2 tablespoons vinegar, 3-4 tablespoons flour, a few sprigs of parsley, pepper, paprika