Savory Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce
Experience the culinary delight of this Savory Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce, a perfect blend of sweet, smoky flavors. The fire-roasting process intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while significantly reducing acidity, creating a rich, robust sauce that beautifully complements any pasta dish. This sauce is crafted with fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a gathering with family and friends. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a fragrant, flavorful sauce that pairs seamlessly with 3/4 to 1 pound of your favorite pasta. Get ready to elevate your dining experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
small onion
1 (chopped)
olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce can)
Italian sausage
1 (pound, removed from casings)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce can)
water
1 (8 ounce can)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
fresh basil
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
3
Remove the garlic and onion mixture from the pan and transfer it to a blender, along with the fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Blend until smooth, then set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Return the blended tomato mixture to the skillet with the sausage.
6
Pour in the tomato sauce and the can of water; stir to combine.
7
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the additional saltiness from the sausage.
8
Add the freshly chopped basil and stir well to incorporate.
9
Allow the sauce to simmer for 30 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will deepen the flavors.
10
Once finished, toss the sauce with cooked pasta and serve immediately. Enjoy your savory meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce?
It is a rich, robust pasta sauce that features a blend of sweet and smoky flavors achieved through fire-roasted tomatoes and Italian sausage.
How long does it take to prepare this sauce?
The entire process, including preparation and simmering, takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
What is the benefit of using fire-roasted tomatoes?
Fire-roasting intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and significantly reduces their acidity, creating a deeper flavor profile.
How much pasta will this recipe serve?
This recipe produces enough sauce to perfectly coat 3/4 to 1 pound of your favorite pasta.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage or replacing it with a plant-based meat alternative.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for one pound of Italian sausage with the casings removed.
How should I prepare the garlic and onion?
You should mince 2 cloves of garlic and finely chop one small onion before starting.
Why do the garlic and onion need to be blended?
Blending the sautéed garlic and onion with the fire-roasted tomatoes creates a smooth, consistent base for the sauce.
How long should I sauté the garlic and onion?
Sauté them in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
What is the browning time for the Italian sausage?
The sausage should be cooked over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until thoroughly browned.
Do I need to add water to the sauce?
Yes, adding one 8-ounce can of water helps achieve the right consistency during the simmering process.
When is the fresh basil added?
Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil just before letting the sauce simmer.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and meld.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil provides the best aromatic quality, you can use dried basil in a smaller quantity (about 2 teaspoons) if fresh is unavailable.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this sauce considered acidic?
No, the fire-roasting process helps significantly reduce the acidity compared to standard tomato sauces.
How should I serve the sauce?
Once the simmer is complete, toss the sauce immediately with cooked pasta and serve while hot.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, this sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.
What pasta shapes pair best with this sauce?
Hearty shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even thick fettuccine work well to hold the robust sauce and sausage pieces.
Can I add more vegetables to this sauce?
Certainly; chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added during the sautéing or browning phases.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce itself is gluten-free if the sausage and tomato products used are certified gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free pasta to keep the meal gluten-free.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can use 'hot' Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the seasoning step.
What if I don't have a blender?
If you don't have a blender, you can finely mince the ingredients or use a food processor, though the texture may be slightly chunkier.
Should I drain the fire-roasted tomatoes?
No, use the entire contents of the can, including the juice, when transferring to the blender.
What is the recommended heat setting for simmering?
Keep the heat on 'low' to prevent the sauce from burning or reducing too quickly.
Can I use regular diced tomatoes instead?
You can, but the sauce will lack the specific smoky flavor and reduced acidity that the fire-roasted variety provides.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including herbs and seasonings.
Is this a good weeknight meal?
Yes, because it is fragrant and flavorful yet ready in about 30 minutes of active cooking and simmering time.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double all ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough skillet or a Dutch oven.
Should I add extra salt?
Add salt to taste, but remember that Italian sausage often contains a significant amount of salt already.