Rich Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce
This Rich Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce perfect for pasta, pizzas, or dipping. Made with a variety of fresh and canned tomatoes, this sauce brings together the flavors of sautéed onions and garlic, enhanced by the earthy taste of oregano and the aromatic fragrance of fresh basil. It’s a simple yet profound recipe that makes the most out of seasonal produce while keeping the pantry staples front and center. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this sauce can also be batch-cooked and frozen for later use.
1
Servings
450
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
canned large tomatoes
1 can (no need to prepare, as they are ready to use)
fresh tomatoes
2 (peeled and coarsely chopped (optional, if in season))
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
red bell pepper
1 small (chopped (optional))
green bell pepper
1 small (chopped (optional))
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin recommended)
Contadina tomato sauce
8 ounces (no need to prepare, as it's ready to use)
Contadina tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (no need to prepare, as it's ready to use)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (no need to prepare)
fresh basil
to taste (minced (to preference))
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell peppers (if using) and sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
If using fresh tomatoes, coarsely chop them and add them to the pot. Stir and cook until the fresh tomatoes begin to release their juices, about 5 minutes.
4
Coarsely chop the canned tomatoes and add them to the pot along with the Contadina tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Season the mixture with salt, dried oregano, and half of the minced fresh basil. Stir to combine.
6
Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a small shake of Tabasco sauce, if desired.
8
Just before serving, stir in the remaining fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
35g
Fat
45g
Carbs
10g
Protein
8g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce?
It is a delicious and versatile sauce perfect for pasta, pizzas, or dipping, made with fresh and canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs.
How many calories are in this recipe?
There are 450 calories in a serving of this tomato sauce.
Is this sauce recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What are the primary herbs used in this sauce?
The sauce is infused with dried oregano and fresh basil.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 35g of fat.
Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Yes, it is highly recommended for use on pizzas.
How long should I sauté the onion and bell peppers?
Sauté them for approximately 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are soft.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil, with extra virgin being recommended.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
Do I need to peel the fresh tomatoes?
Yes, the fresh tomatoes should be peeled and coarsely chopped.
What brand of tomato sauce and paste is suggested?
The recipe suggests using Contadina brand tomato sauce and tomato paste.
How many fresh tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 fresh tomatoes if they are in season.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the garlic after sautéing the onions and peppers, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes, you can add a small shake of Tabasco sauce for an added depth of flavor and heat.
How much protein is in a serving?
The sauce provides 10g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this sauce?
There are 45g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, this sauce contains 8g of fiber.
When should I add the fresh basil?
Add half of the minced fresh basil during the seasoning step and the remaining half just before serving.
Is it okay to freeze this sauce?
Yes, this sauce can be batch-cooked and frozen for later use.
What size can of tomato paste is needed?
You will need one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
Are the bell peppers required?
No, the red and green bell peppers are listed as optional ingredients.
What is the amount of dried oregano used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Can I use this as a dipping sauce?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be used as a dipping sauce.
How often should I stir the sauce while it simmers?
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the sauce cooks evenly.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
How much canned tomato sauce is used?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of tomato sauce.
What should I do if the fresh tomatoes are not in season?
Fresh tomatoes are optional; you can rely on the canned tomatoes, sauce, and paste if they are not available.
How many servings does this specific recipe breakdown cover?
The provided nutritional information and ingredient quantities are for 1 serving.