Savory Garlic-Infused Tomato Puree
A delightful and rich Tomato Puree inspired by a classic 1990 Eating Well magazine recipe. This savory puree is crafted from the freshest plum tomatoes and infused with aromatic garlic, resulting in a vibrant sauce perfect for pasta, soups, and as a base for many dishes. After a slow simmer, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a thick and luscious texture that captures the essence of summer tomatoes, allowing you to enjoy their taste any time of the year. Ideal for meal prepping, this puree can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use, ensuring you'll always have a burst of garden flavor at your fingertips.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plum Tomatoes
5 lbs (Cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces)
Garlic Cloves
12 (Peeled and smashed)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by coring the plum tomatoes and chopping them into 1-inch pieces for easier cooking.
2
In a large, non-aluminum 5-quart saucepot, combine the chopped tomatoes, smashed garlic cloves, and olive oil.
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat, leaving it uncovered. Allow it to cook for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The tomatoes and garlic should become tender and soft.
4
Once softened, pass the mixture through a food mill or a sieve, discarding any pulp while retaining the pureed liquid. Return the smooth puree to the saucepan.
5
Continue to simmer the puree uncovered for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring frequently. The goal is to gradually thicken the mixture, concentrating the flavors. Cooking time may vary based on the moisture content of the tomatoes.
6
Once thickened to your desired consistency, season the puree with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
7
Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The puree can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 2 months, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Garlic-Infused Tomato Puree?
It is a rich, savory tomato sauce made from fresh plum tomatoes and garlic, inspired by a classic 1990 Eating Well magazine recipe.
What type of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 5 lbs of plum tomatoes.
How much garlic do I need?
You will need 12 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed.
What kind of oil should be used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil for the infusion.
Is this tomato puree vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
Core the plum tomatoes and chop them into 1-inch pieces before cooking.
What size pot should I use?
A large 5-quart saucepot is recommended for this recipe.
Why should I use a non-aluminum saucepot?
Using a non-aluminum pot prevents the acidic tomatoes from reacting with the metal, which can affect the flavor.
How long is the first simmering stage?
The mixture should simmer uncovered over low heat for approximately 1 hour.
Do I need to cover the pot while simmering?
No, the pot should remain uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.
What should I do after the first hour of simmering?
Pass the mixture through a food mill or sieve to retain the pureed liquid and discard the pulp.
How long is the second simmering stage?
After straining, simmer the smooth puree for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours.
What is the purpose of the second simmer?
The second simmer helps to thicken the mixture and concentrate the flavors.
How do I know when the puree is done?
The puree is done once it reaches your desired thick and luscious consistency.
When should I season the puree?
Season with salt and black pepper to taste once the mixture has thickened.
How should I store the finished tomato puree?
Transfer the cooled puree into an airtight container for storage.
How long does it stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The puree can be refrigerated for up to one week.
Can this tomato puree be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen for long-term storage.
How long will the puree last in the freezer?
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What are some ways to use this puree?
It is perfect for pasta, soups, or as a base for various Mediterranean dishes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, because it stores well in both the fridge and freezer, it is ideal for meal prepping.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 5 main ingredients: plum tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
While the recipe calls for 12 cloves, you can adjust the seasoning to fit your personal taste preferences.
Why does the cooking time vary?
Cooking time varies based on the natural moisture content of the specific tomatoes used.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy, home-cooked condiment using fresh ingredients and olive oil.
Should I stir the mixture while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally during the first hour and frequently during the final thickening stage.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes first?
No, you chop them with skins on; the food mill or sieve will remove the skins and pulp later.
What texture should the final product have?
The final product should be a smooth, thick, and luscious puree.
Can I use this as a pizza sauce?
Yes, its thick consistency and garlic infusion make it an excellent base for pizza.
What should I do before putting the puree in the fridge?
You must allow the puree to cool completely before transferring it to a storage container.