Mediterranean Capers & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce
Dive into a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors with this vibrant Capers and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce. Featuring a robust combination of Italian-style tomatoes, savory ground meats, and the tang of capers, this sauce is elevated by the rich, concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh herbs bring a garden-fresh aroma to every bite, making this sauce perfect for any pasta dish. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a meal that captures the essence of sunny Italian days!
6
Servings
150
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
capers (with brine)
1 teaspoon (drained)
Italian-style peeled tomatoes
28 ounces (crushed)
tomato paste
4 ounces (none)
ground beef
1/2 lb (crumbled)
ground pork
1/2 lb (crumbled)
onion
1 small (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sun-dried tomatoes
6-10 (chopped)
fresh basil (optional)
1/4 cup (chopped)
fresh oregano (optional)
1/8 cup (chopped)
carrots (optional)
2 medium (sliced)
bell pepper (optional)
1 (diced)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2
Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan, season with salt, and cook until browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
3
Before the meats are fully cooked, lower the heat to low and stir in the Italian-style peeled tomatoes (crushing them gently with a spoon), tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and capers along with their brine, mixing well.
4
Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the sauce, stirring to combine. If using, add the sliced carrots and diced bell pepper for extra flavor and texture.
5
Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let all the flavors meld together.
6
For a fresh touch, stir in the fresh basil and oregano just before serving. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy the rich flavors!
Nutrition Information
6.7
Fat
16.7
Carbs
8.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Mediterranean Capers & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce?
It features a vibrant blend of Mediterranean flavors, including robust Italian-style tomatoes, savory ground meats, tangy capers, and the rich sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, 6.7g of fat, 16.7g of carbohydrates, and 8.3g of protein.
What types of meat are used in this sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of 1/2 lb of ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground pork.
How long does it take to sauté the onion and garlic?
The onion and garlic should be sautéed for about 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
How long should the meats be cooked?
The ground beef and pork should be cooked for about 6-8 minutes until browned.
What kind of canned tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for 28 ounces of Italian-style peeled tomatoes, which should be crushed gently during cooking.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Are the capers used with or without brine?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of capers along with their brine for extra flavor.
How should the sun-dried tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 6-10 sun-dried tomatoes and chop them finely before adding them to the sauce.
Which fresh herbs are suggested for this sauce?
Fresh basil (1/4 cup) and fresh oregano (1/8 cup) are suggested to be added just before serving.
Are there any optional vegetables I can add?
Yes, you can add 2 medium sliced carrots and 1 diced bell pepper for extra flavor and texture.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What dried herbs are included in the base?
The base includes 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of tomato paste.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, simmering allows the flavors to meld, and like most pasta sauces, it often tastes even better the next day.
What preparation is needed for the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the pan.
Is salt added during the browning of the meat?
Yes, the meat should be seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt while browning.
What is the recommended onion size?
One small onion, diced, is recommended for this recipe.
When should the fresh herbs be added?
Fresh herbs should be stirred in just before serving for a fresh touch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients, including optional items like fresh herbs and extra vegetables.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 16.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
The sauce provides 8.3 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use only ground beef instead of a mix?
Yes, you can substitute the ground pork for an equal amount of ground beef if preferred.
What should I do with the Italian-style peeled tomatoes?
They should be added to the pan and crushed gently with a spoon while mixing with other ingredients.
Does this sauce contain any fiber or sugar data?
The current nutritional data provided does not specify fiber or sugar content.
Is this sauce suitable for any type of pasta?
Yes, its rich and robust flavor makes it perfect for pairing with any of your favorite pasta shapes.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
The sauce should be simmered on low heat.
Is the bell pepper preparation specified?
Yes, if using a bell pepper, it should be diced.
How much extra virgin olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.