Quick Italian Tomato Sauce. Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is a type of tomato sauce that is typically made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It is a quick and easy sauce to make and is often used as a base for pasta dishes, pizza, and other Italian-inspired dishes. The sauce is typically made by simmering canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in a pan until it reaches the desired consistency.
Some variations may also include onions, bell peppers, or other vegetables. Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is known for its bright and bold flavor and can be adjusted to be as spicy or mild as desired by adding hot sauce or chili flakes. It is a popular choice for those who are short on time and looking for an easy and flavorful sauce to add to their dishes.
Quick Italian Tomato Sauce
Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is a type of tomato-based sauce that is typically used in Italian cuisine. It is made with a combination of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and is often used to flavor pasta, pizza, and other dishes.
Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is known for its bright, fresh flavor and versatility, as it can be used in a variety of dishes and can be easily modified to fit different tastes and preferences.
It is also a convenient option for busy weeknights, as it can be made in a short amount of time. Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is a healthy and flavorful option for adding flavor to a variety of dishes.
Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is a simple and flavorful sauce that can be made in just a few minutes. It is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other Italian dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)
Directions
1
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent about 5 minutes.
2
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir to combine.
3
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
4Serve the sauce hot over pasta or use as desired. The sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender or in a blender before serving.
- For added flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- To add extra protein and nutrition, you can stir in some cooked ground beef or turkey after the sauce has finished cooking.
Benefits of Quick Italian Tomato Sauce
Some benefits of eating Quick Italian Tomato Sauce include:
- Nutritious: Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is made with canned diced tomatoes, which are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene.
- Flavorful: The combination of herbs and spices in Quick Italian Tomato Sauce adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
- Versatile: Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, and pizza, or as a base for soups and stews.
- Quick and easy: Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be made in just a few minutes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be easily customized to fit different dietary needs or preferences, such as using low-sodium diced tomatoes or adding extra vegetables.
- Budget-friendly: Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is made with inexpensive ingredients, making it a cost-effective meal option.
- Can be stored: Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it a convenient meal option for meal prep or leftovers.
Drawbacks of Quick Italian Tomato Sauce
Some drawbacks of Quick Italian Tomato Sauce include:
- Sodium content: Canned diced tomatoes can be high in sodium, which may be a concern for those on a low-sodium diet or those with high blood pressure.
- Can contain added sugars: Some brands of canned diced tomatoes may contain added sugars, which can increase the sugar content of the sauce.
- May not be as nutrient-dense as homemade sauce: While Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is a nutritious option, it may not be as nutrient-dense as a homemade sauce made with fresh, whole ingredients.
- Limited flavor options: Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is limited to the flavors of the canned diced tomatoes and the added herbs and spices. It may not be as customizable as a homemade sauce, which can be made with a variety of fresh ingredients.
- May contain additives: Canned diced tomatoes may contain additives, such as preservatives or flavor enhancers, which may not be desired by some consumers.
FAQs about Quick Italian Tomato Sauce
- What is Quick Italian Tomato Sauce?
Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is a type of tomato-based sauce that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is made by cooking diced tomatoes and other ingredients such as garlic, onions, and herbs, and is typically used as a base for pasta dishes or as a topping for pizza.
2. How do you make Quick Italian Tomato Sauce?
To make Quick Italian Tomato Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Can Quick Italian Tomato Sauce be frozen?
Yes, Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be frozen. To freeze the sauce, transfer it to a container with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the freezer. The sauce will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw the sauce, transfer it to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it and let it thaw slowly. You can also thaw the sauce more quickly by placing the container in a bowl of cold water.
4. What can I add to Quick Italian Tomato Sauce to give it more flavor?
There are many ingredients you can add to Quick Italian Tomato Sauce to give it more flavor. Some options include:
- Ground meat (such as beef, pork, or lamb)
- Chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini)
- Sausage or other cured meats
- Red wine or balsamic vinegar
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried or fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, or thyme)
- Can Quick Italian Tomato Sauce be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be made in a slow cooker. To make the sauce in a slow cooker, follow the recipe above, but instead of cooking the sauce on the stovetop, transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook the sauce on the low setting for 4-6 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Can Quick Italian Tomato Sauce be made vegan?
Yes, Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be made vegan by omitting the meat and using a plant-based alternative, such as tofu or vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken or beef broth.
7. Can Quick Italian Tomato Sauce be made gluten-free?
Yes, Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking the labels on the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
8. Can Quick Italian Tomato Sauce be made in advance?
Yes, Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use it. To store the sauce in the refrigerator, transfer it to a container with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
9. Can Quick Italian Tomato Sauce be made with fresh tomatoes?
Yes, Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be made with fresh tomatoes. To make the sauce with fresh tomatoes, you will need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes, depending on the size. Start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for about 1 minute, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once the tomatoes are cool, peel off the skins and discard them. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and use them in place of the canned crushed tomatoes in the recipe above.
10. Can Quick Italian Tomato Sauce be made vegan?
Yes, Quick Italian Tomato Sauce can be made vegan by simply omitting the Parmesan cheese from the recipe. You can also use a plant-based alternative to Parmesan cheese, such as a vegan Parmesan made from nuts or seeds.
11. Can Quick Italian Tomato Sauce be made gluten-free?
Yes, Quick Italian Tomato Sauce is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.
