Tomato Sauce with a Balsamic Twist
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4
Yield
4 cups
Calories
Approximately 150 calories
This Tomato Sauce with a Balsamic Twist is not your ordinary sauce. It’s a rich, complex blend of ripe tomatoes simmered to perfection with a hint of aged balsamic vinegar, adding depth and a subtle tangy sweetness that beautifully complements the natural flavors of the tomatoes.
The addition of fresh herbs and a touch of garlic brings out a savory aroma and taste that is irresistible.
This sauce is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to your pasta, a base for your pizzas, or as a sophisticated dip.
Its robust flavor profile is designed to captivate the palates of both the culinary novice and the seasoned chef, making any meal feel like a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or a mix of basil and oregano
- Comments: Using aged balsamic vinegar will add a richer, more complex flavor than regular balsamic vinegar.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm over your favorite pasta, as a base for pizza, or as a dip.
Tips & Tricks
- For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender after cooking.
- Add a splash of red wine for an even deeper flavor profile.
- This sauce freezes well, so feel free to double the batch and save some for a busy day.
Mise en Place
Ingredients
Utensils
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Aged balsamic vinegar
- Sugar (optional)
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Dried Italian herbs or a mix of basil and oregano
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender (optional)
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