Tomato sauce with basil

Tomato Basil Sauce: A Summer Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 3 small jars

Welcome to the culinary world of tomato basil sauce! This simple and delicious sauce is perfect for turning your pasta into a memorable meal. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most of fresh tomatoes and aromatic herbs from your garden. Tomato basil sauce is a classic recipe, loved worldwide for its fresh taste and intense aroma. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg fresh tomatoes (ideally choose ripe Roma or San Marzano tomatoes)
- 1 bunch of fresh basil (about 20 leaves)
- 1 bunch of fresh marjoram (if you don’t have it, you can use oregano)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the tomatoes: Start by washing the tomatoes under cold running water. Cut them in halves or quarters, depending on your preference. It’s important to use ripe tomatoes, as they will provide a richer taste and intense aroma to the sauce.

2. Blending the tomatoes: Place the cut tomatoes in a blender. Blend for 10-15 seconds, but don’t overdo it; you want to keep small pieces for texture in the sauce.

3. Cooking the sauce: Transfer the tomato mixture to a large pot. Add salt, pepper, and sugar. The sugar will help reduce the acidity of the tomatoes, balancing the final taste. The heat should be medium, allowing the sauce to simmer gently.

4. Adding the herbs: Finely chop the basil and marjoram, then add them to the tomato sauce once it starts to boil. These aromatic herbs will release their wonderful flavors, enriching the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and the flavors combine perfectly.

5. Preserving the sauce: Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the sauce into small jars and seal them tightly. You can sterilize the jars by boiling them to ensure the sauce stays fresh for a longer period.

Practical tips:

- If you want a smoother sauce, you can use a vegetable masher instead of a blender to achieve a homogeneous consistency.
- You can adapt the recipe based on the season: add roasted bell peppers or olives for a more complex Mediterranean flavor.
- Instead of storing the sauce in jars, you can use it immediately to prepare delicious pasta, adding grated parmesan on top.
- This sauce pairs perfectly with long pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, but can also be used as a base for pizza.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of tomato basil sauce contains approximately 50 calories. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K and are also an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Basil provides a significant amount of vitamins and minerals and has antibacterial effects.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but the sauce will have a different flavor. Make sure to choose tomatoes without additives.

2. How can I keep the tomato sauce for a longer time?
The sauce can be stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for a few weeks or frozen for later use.

3. What other herbs can I use?
Besides basil and marjoram, you can try oregano, thyme, or even parsley, depending on your taste.

4. Can the sauce be made spicy?
Sure! Add some chili flakes or chili sauce for a spicy kick.

Now that you have this tomato basil sauce recipe, you have no excuse not to try making it! It’s a dish that will bring summer flavors to every meal, even on the coldest days of the year. Enjoy it with family or friends and savor every spoonful! Enjoy your meal!