Rustic Garlic-Infused Tomato Sauce

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking for a homemade sauce that elevates any pasta dish, this Rustic Garlic-Infused Tomato Sauce is your answer. Roasted tomatoes and garlic bring depth, while a splash of red wine adds richness. It's perfect for those cozy nights when a store-bought jar just won't do.

Ingredients for Rustic Garlic-Infused Tomato Sauce

Tomatoes are the star of this sauce, providing a fresh and juicy base. Roasting them caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their flavor.

Olive oil is used for roasting and sautéing, adding a rich, fruity layer to the sauce.

Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth, complementing the tomatoes beautifully.

Roasted garlic infuses the sauce with a mellow, nutty aroma that isn't overpowering.

Salt and black pepper balance the flavors, while sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

Fresh basil and parsley offer a herby freshness, while dried oregano adds a touch of earthiness.

Red wine contributes acidity and depth, creating a complex, layered sauce.

Tomato paste thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender. Just allow the sauce to cool slightly before blending in batches to avoid any hot splashes.
  • For a chunkier sauce, blend only half of the mixture and leave the rest as is.
  • Don't skip roasting the garlic; it makes a world of difference compared to raw garlic.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta, especially homemade fettuccine or rigatoni. It's also fantastic as a base for lasagna or even as a topping for a homemade pizza. For a twist, try serving it over grilled chicken or eggplant for a hearty main course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute with canned tomatoes, but try to use whole peeled ones and roast them for a similar effect.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine?
Absolutely! You can use a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice for a similar acidity and sweetness.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.

Rustic Garlic-Infused Tomato Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut the tomatoes in half and arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with about half of the olive oil, ensuring they're well coated. Pop them in the oven and let them roast for 25 minutes, until they're soft and slightly caramelized.

Meanwhile, grab a large pot and heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and tender, which should take about 5 minutes. This will lay a sweet, aromatic foundation for your sauce.

Add the roasted garlic cloves to the pot, followed by the salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld.

Once the tomatoes are done roasting, add them to the pot along with the chopped basil, parsley, and oregano. Stir to combine and let the herbs release their aroma.

Pour in the red wine and stir in the tomato paste, ensuring everything is well mixed. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. This will allow it to thicken and the flavors to concentrate.

Finally, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Your sauce is now ready to elevate any dish you pair it with!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Red wine adds a sophisticated touch of acidity and depth.
  • Fresh herbs bring a vibrant, aromatic finish.
  • Perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic with just a hint of spice.

Ingredients

3 lbs ripe tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, roasted
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup red wine
1 tbsp tomato paste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Cut the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 25 minutes.
3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the roasted garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar to the pot and stir for 2 minutes.
5. Add the roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, parsley, and oregano to the pot.
6. Pour in the red wine and tomato paste, stirring to combine all ingredients.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes to thicken.
8. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

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