Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool for a few minutes. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and puree until smooth.
4. Return the saucepan to the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
5. Add the chopped basil leaves and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of sauce
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Use dried basil instead of fresh if you don't have fresh on hand.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to let the sauce cool slightly before blending to avoid any accidents with hot liquid.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of chicken or vegetable broth.
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, chicken, or fish.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil leaves.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it 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 is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Tomato-basil cream sauce is a classic Italian sauce that originated in the Campania region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- The sauce is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a hint of basil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce hot over your favorite pasta, chicken, or fish.
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Region: Italian