Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Roasted Garlic & Fresh Basil Tomato Sauce.
What are the primary flavor components of this sauce?
The sauce features a balance of sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh and dried basil, golden roasted garlic, and a medley of aromatic herbs like oregano, rosemary, marjoram, and thyme.
How much extra virgin olive oil is needed in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is used across different steps of the recipe.
How should the onions be prepared?
You should use 2 fresh onions, chopped, and sauté them in olive oil until they are translucent and fragrant.
What is the first step in preparing the basil?
Wash and de-stem 2 cups of fresh basil, then wilt it gently in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
How do I use chicken stock in the early stages?
Add 3 ounces of chicken stock to the sautéed onions and basil, simmering until most of the liquid has evaporated.
How should the fresh tomatoes be processed?
Use a food mill to separate the seeds and skins from 6 fresh tomatoes to create a smooth puree.
Which dried spices are included in the herb mixture?
The mixture includes 3 tablespoons each of dried basil, oregano, and rosemary, plus 2 tablespoons each of dried marjoram and thyme.
Is onion powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of dried onion powder are mixed into the tomato puree.
How long does the tomato mixture need to marinate?
The tomato mixture should be covered and marinated in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
How do I roast the garlic?
Peel the outer layers of 6 garlic cloves, wrap them in foil, and roast at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 20 minutes until soft.
How is the roasted garlic puree made?
Mash the roasted garlic into a paste and blend it with one cup of chicken stock until liquefied.
When do I add the red wine vinegar?
The 2 ounces of red wine vinegar are stirred into the tomato mixture after the marination period is complete.
What type of tomato juice is recommended?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of 100% tomato juice with no additives.
Does the recipe use canned tomatoes?
Yes, it includes 8 ounces of canned stewed tomatoes.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Gradually stir in up to 3 cups of flour while the sauce is boiling until you reach your desired consistency.
How long should the marinara simmer on the stove?
Allow the sauce to simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Can I cook this sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a crockpot on low heat for a longer cooking duration.
What is used for the final seasoning?
Finish the sauce with cracked black pepper to taste.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this sauce?
The sauce contains 9.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
The sauce provides 5.8 grams of protein per serving.
Is this sauce considered vegetarian?
As written, it contains chicken stock, so it is not strictly vegetarian unless a vegetable stock substitute is used.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 17 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the suggested serving method?
It is perfect for tossing with pasta, spooning over grilled vegetables, or using as a base for other recipes.
Can the sauce be prepared in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time and stored for future use.
At what heat should the onions be sautéed?
Onions should be sautéed over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
When is the fresh basil added?
Fresh basil is added to the skillet after the onions have become translucent.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
The recipe focuses on thickening with flour; if it becomes too thick, you could add a small amount of additional chicken stock or tomato juice to reach your preferred texture.