Silky Vegan Tomato Basil Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Silky Vegan Tomato Basil Sauce, a perfect fusion of creamy texture and vibrant taste without any dairy! Using a blend of whole canned tomatoes, cashews, and a medley of aromatic herbs, this sauce is ideal for those winter months when fresh tomatoes lack sweetness and color. A quick blend transforms the ingredients into a silky base, ready to dance with spices and sautéed onions and garlic. Perfect over your favorite pasta, this versatile sauce can also serve as a rich base for vegan pizzas or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. Elevate your dishes with a touch of fresh basil for a burst of freshness, making every bite a gourmet experience!
6
Servings
100
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw cashews
1/2 cup (soaked in warm water for 20-30 minutes)
whole canned tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juices)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
large tomato
1 (diced (optional))
fresh basil
to garnish (sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
Start by soaking the raw cashews in warm water for 20-30 minutes to soften them. If short on time, you can skip this step, but soaking ensures a creamier texture.
2
In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, the entire can of whole tomatoes (including juices), and tomato paste. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This process may take a few minutes based on the blender's power.
3
In a medium saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it turns golden and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
4
Pour the smooth tomato and cashew mixture into the saucepan with the onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Add the dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar to the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
6
If you like a chunkier texture, stir in fresh diced tomatoes just a few minutes before finishing and let them heat through.
7
Serve the sauce hot over your favorite cooked pasta, and garnish with freshly sliced basil leaves for an extra fragrant touch.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
10
Carbs
2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silky Vegan Tomato Basil Sauce?
It is a rich, creamy, and dairy-free pasta sauce made from a blend of whole canned tomatoes, cashews, and aromatic herbs.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is 100% vegan and contains no animal products.
Is the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, it uses raw cashews to achieve a silky texture without any dairy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include raw cashews, whole canned tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, onion, garlic, and various dried herbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Do I need to soak the cashews?
Yes, soaking raw cashews in warm water for 20-30 minutes ensures a creamier texture, though it can be skipped if you are in a rush.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes, including the juices.
Can I make the sauce chunky?
Yes, you can stir in fresh diced tomatoes a few minutes before finishing to add texture.
How do I achieve the silky texture?
Blending the soaked cashews with the canned tomatoes and tomato paste on high until completely smooth creates the silky base.
What herbs are used in the sauce?
The sauce features dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, and basil.
Is the sauce spicy?
It contains 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your taste preference.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until golden and translucent.
What is the purpose of adding sugar?
A teaspoon of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
What should I serve this sauce with?
It is perfect over pasta, as a vegan pizza base, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does it provide?
Each serving contains 2 grams of protein.
Can I use fresh basil?
Yes, freshly sliced basil leaves are recommended as a garnish for an extra fragrant touch.
What kind of oil is best?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing the aromatics.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 2 minced cloves of garlic.
Can I use this as a pizza sauce?
Yes, its rich and creamy consistency makes it an excellent base for vegan pizzas.
Why use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Canned tomatoes are preferred during winter months when fresh tomatoes may lack sweetness and vibrant color.
What size can of tomatoes is needed?
You will need one 28-ounce can.
Does the recipe use tomato paste?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste are used to deepen the flavor.
Is the sauce healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutrient-dense ingredients like cashews and tomatoes.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before sautéing.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including optional garnishes.