Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 large tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, roasted
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the garlic is soft and golden brown.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine the diced tomatoes, roasted garlic, basil, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of sauce
- Serving size: 1/4 cup
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total carbohydrate: 4g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh tomatoes can be substituted with canned tomatoes.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
- Add a handful of pine nuts for a nutty flavor and texture.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the sauce smoother, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve the sauce at room temperature for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce in a small bowl with a spoon for dipping.
- Drizzle the sauce over grilled chicken or fish.
- Use the sauce as a topping for bruschetta or crostini.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Pasta dishes
- Breadsticks or garlic bread
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water or olive oil to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more Parmesan cheese or basil leaves to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Wash your hands and all utensils and surfaces that come into contact with the ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
- Checca sauce is a traditional Italian sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. It is often served as a topping for pasta dishes or as a dip for bread.
Flavor profiles:
- The sauce is fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet from the tomatoes, with a nutty and savory flavor from the Parmesan cheese and roasted garlic.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce as a dip for bread or vegetables.
- Use the sauce as a topping for pasta dishes, grilled chicken or fish, or bruschetta.
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Region: Italian