Rustic Heirloom Tomato Sauce
Discover the essence of Italian culinary tradition with this Rustic Heirloom Tomato Sauce. Inspired by a quest for the perfect homemade sauce, this recipe combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh tomatoes with aromatic herbs and a touch of Marsala wine. Simple and straightforward, the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, allowing you to prepare a deliciously rich sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for stews. With its deep flavors and cozy aroma, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
red onion
1 medium (chopped)
carrot
1 medium (finely grated)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons
crushed tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can
tomato paste
1 (6-ounce) can
bay leaves
2
oregano
1 teaspoon (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
basil
1 teaspoon (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup (drained and chopped)
Marsala wine
1/2 cup
water
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped red onion and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Incorporate the minced garlic and finely grated carrot, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just begins to turn golden.
4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
5
Once boiling, add the bay leaves, oregano, basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
6
Pour in the Marsala wine and water, stirring to combine, and bring back to a boil.
7
Fold in the sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to meld with the sauce.
8
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.
9
Taste and adjust the spices as needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
10g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Heirloom Tomato Sauce?
Rustic Heirloom Tomato Sauce is a rich, Italian-inspired sauce featuring fresh tomato flavors, aromatic herbs, and Marsala wine.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in this sauce?
There are approximately 75 calories per serving.
What is the main flavor profile of this sauce?
It features sweet and tangy flavors combined with aromatic herbs and a touch of Marsala wine.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 30 minutes or until it thickens to your liking.
Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Yes, it is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for stews.
What kind of wine is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Marsala wine.
Why is carrot included in the ingredients?
Finely grated carrot is added to provide natural sweetness and help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped oregano and basil for every 1 teaspoon of dried ingredients.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What size can of crushed tomatoes is needed?
Use one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes for this sauce.
Is tomato paste required for this recipe?
Yes, one 6-ounce can of tomato paste is used to thicken and intensify the sauce flavor.
How many bay leaves are used?
The recipe calls for 2 bay leaves to be added during the cooking process.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 3.3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving of this sauce.
How much protein does this sauce provide?
Each serving provides 1.7g of protein.
What type of onion is recommended?
One medium chopped red onion is recommended for this recipe.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust it to your taste preference.
What is the purpose of adding sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are folded in to add a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and unique texture.
How much water should I add to the sauce?
You should add 1/2 cup of water to the sauce mixture during preparation.
How do I know when the olive oil is ready for the onions?
The extra virgin olive oil should be heated in a heavy saucepan until it is shimmering.
How long do I sauté the garlic and carrots?
Cook them for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just begins to turn golden.
Is the sauce brought to a boil?
Yes, the mixture is brought to a gentle boil after adding tomatoes, and again after adding the wine and water.
Can I adjust the seasonings after the sauce is cooked?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting and adjusting the spices as needed before serving.
Is this an heirloom tomato recipe?
While it uses canned crushed tomatoes, it is named for and inspired by the deep flavors of heirloom tomatoes.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as simple and straightforward with common pantry ingredients.
What type of saucepan is recommended?
A heavy saucepan is recommended to ensure even heating and simmering.
Is this sauce considered comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a comfort food due to its rich flavor and cozy aroma.
Is this a traditional Italian-style sauce?
Yes, it is inspired by Italian culinary tradition and rustic homemade preparation methods.