Tomato sauce

Tomato Sauce: A Classic and Delicious Recipe

Are you dreaming of the perfect tomato sauce that can transform any dish into an unforgettable culinary experience? This simple and quick recipe is exactly what you need. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, ideal for accompanying various meat dishes, pasta, or even vegetables. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced one, this sauce will surely bring unforgettable flavors to your table.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:
- 500 g fresh tomatoes (or 300 g tomato puree)
- 2 medium onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh, as preferred)
- Olive oil for sautéing

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the tomatoes under cold running water. If you're using fresh tomatoes, you can quarter them to make processing easier. If you choose to use tomato puree, make sure it's of good quality, without additives or preservatives.

Peel and finely chop the onion. It will add a sweet flavor to your sauce, so don’t skip this step. I recommend using white or yellow onions, as they have a milder taste.

Step 2: Sautéing the onion
In a large skillet, add a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize. This process will intensify the flavors and add depth to your sauce.

Step 3: Making the sauce
Once the onion is ready, add the tomatoes (or tomato puree) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Now is the time to add the salt, pepper, and basil. These spices will enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes and add extra flavor.

Let the sauce simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken, and the flavors will concentrate. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it slightly.

Step 4: Serving
Once the sauce is ready, taste it and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add more basil or even a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This tomato sauce is excellent served with pasta, grilled meat, or even as a base for pizza.

Serving suggestion: You can drizzle a bit of olive oil over the sauce when serving for an elegant and flavorful finish. Additionally, grated Parmesan cheese on top will perfectly complement the dish.

Nutritional information:
Tomato sauce is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals. Additionally, the sauce is low in calories, with about 70 calories per serving, making it a healthy choice.

Possible variations:
1. For a spicier sauce, you can add some chili flakes during cooking.
2. Substitute basil with oregano or add fresh herbs for a different flavor.
3. Add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to diversify the sauce and add more nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to choose a variety without additives.
2. How can I store the tomato sauce? The tomato sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for later use.
3. What other dishes can this sauce accompany? This tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta, pizza, baked meat, or even as a base for various soups.

I hope this tomato sauce recipe inspires you to create delicious dishes in your kitchen! I encourage you to experiment with flavors and personalize your sauce as you like. Enjoy every step of cooking and savor the final result!