Sauces > Mediterranean Sauces

Tomato and Olive Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.

5. Add the chopped olives, parsley, and red pepper flakes, and stir well.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

8. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing and low heat for simmering
Serving size:
Makes about 4 cups of sauce

Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 400mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of onion instead of a regular onion.
- You can use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.
- You can use any type of olives you prefer.

Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of dried oregano or basil for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine for a richer flavor.
- Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the onion until it's softened before adding the garlic to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir the sauce occasionally while it's simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.

Storage instructions:
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the sauce over pasta, grilled chicken, or fish.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce before serving.

Pairings:
This sauce pairs well with pasta, grilled chicken, or fish.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the sauce with a side salad or garlic bread.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit 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 it up.

Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat.

Food history:
Tomato and olive sauce is a classic Italian sauce that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
This sauce has a rich tomato flavor with a slightly salty and briny taste from the olives.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the sauce hot over your favorite pasta, grilled chicken, or fish.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Herbaceous, Umami