Savory Roasted Tomato and Basil Salsa
Elevate your appetizer game with this Savory Roasted Tomato and Basil Salsa! Perfectly roasted plum tomatoes blend harmoniously with aromatic garlic and fresh basil, creating a flavorful dip that is both fresh and satisfying. Whether served with crispy tostitos or warm focaccia, this salsa is sure to delight at your next gathering. Plus, it's simple to make and can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests. This salsa not only packs a punch of flavor but is also loaded with nutrients, making it a guilt-free addition to your table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
plum tomatoes
1 1/2 lbs (quartered)
garlic
3 cloves (lightly crushed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh basil leaves
10 (torn into pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a large ovenproof skillet, combine the quartered plum tomatoes, lightly crushed garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the tomatoes and garlic evenly.
3
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the tomatoes and garlic are very soft and caramelized.
4
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
5
Once cooled, coarsely chop the roasted tomatoes and garlic mixture to your preferred texture.
6
Transfer the salsa to a serving bowl and gently fold in the fresh basil leaves, tear them into small pieces for better flavor release.
7
Serve immediately with tostitos or warm focaccia, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Roasted Tomato and Basil Salsa?
It is a flavorful dip made from roasted plum tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, perfect for appetizers.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Is this salsa recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients including tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs are plant-based, making it vegan-friendly.
What type of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of plum tomatoes.
How should I prepare the tomatoes for roasting?
The plum tomatoes should be quartered before being placed in the skillet.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) for the best roasting results.
How long do the tomatoes need to roast?
The tomatoes and garlic should be roasted for about 1 hour.
How do I know when the tomatoes and garlic are done roasting?
They are ready when they become very soft and caramelized.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are included?
You will need 3 cloves of garlic, lightly crushed.
Should the garlic be minced before roasting?
No, the garlic should only be lightly crushed to allow it to roast and soften alongside the tomatoes.
How do I prepare the fresh basil?
You should use 10 fresh basil leaves and tear them into small pieces.
When do I add the basil to the salsa?
The basil should be folded in at the very end, after the roasted mixture has cooled and been chopped.
How long should the mixture cool before I chop it?
Allow the roasted ingredients to cool for about 10 minutes.
What is the best way to chop the roasted vegetables?
You can coarsely chop the mixture to your preferred texture after it has cooled slightly.
What should I serve with this roasted salsa?
It pairs excellently with crispy tostitos or warm focaccia bread.
Can I store leftover salsa?
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the salsa stay fresh in the fridge?
The salsa can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a party food and appetizer that can be made in advance.
Does this recipe contain any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar; the sweetness comes from the natural caramelization of the roasted tomatoes.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need a large ovenproof skillet for roasting the ingredients.
Is this a spicy salsa?
No, it is a savory salsa flavored with garlic and basil rather than hot peppers.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 total ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as being loaded with nutrients and a guilt-free addition to your table.
Can I use this as a pasta sauce?
While intended as a salsa, its ingredients and preparation make it very suitable to be used as a fresh pasta sauce.
Why should I tear the basil leaves instead of cutting them?
Tearing the basil leaves helps with better flavor release.
Is this an Italian-style salsa?
Yes, with ingredients like garlic, basil, and olive oil, it has a distinct Italian flavor profile.
Can I make this salsa in advance?
Yes, making it in advance allows you to enjoy more time with your guests while the flavors meld.
What is the difficulty level for this recipe?
This is an easy recipe that is simple to follow even for beginners.