Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cut the red bell pepper in half and remove the seeds and stem.
3. Place the pepper halves on a baking sheet, cut side down.
4. Roast the peppers in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the skin is charred and blistered.
5. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool.
6. Once cooled, remove the skin from the peppers and chop them into small pieces.
7. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
8. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
9. Add the crushed tomatoes, roasted red peppers, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
10. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
11. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat.
13. Using a blender or food processor, puree the sauce until it is smooth.
14. Serve the sauce hot over your favorite pasta or use it as a pizza sauce.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes about 4 cups of sauce, serving 8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120 per serving
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh basil and oregano can be used instead of dried.
- Canned roasted red peppers can be used instead of roasting fresh peppers.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce for a meaty version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Add a splash of red wine for a richer flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the sauce smoother, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after pureeing.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve the sauce with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Side salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling raw ingredients.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Tomato sauce originated in Italy and has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- The sauce has a rich tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness from the roasted red peppers.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta or use it as a pizza sauce.
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Region: Italian