The ingredient that will make your tomato puree exceptional is fresh basil. Fresh basil adds a burst of aromatic flavor and a touch of freshness to your tomato puree, elevating it to a whole new level. Here’s a description and a simple recipe featuring fresh basil:
Fresh basil is an aromatic herb with a sweet, peppery flavor and a subtle hint of licorice. Its bright green leaves add color and fragrance to dishes, making it a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. When added to tomato puree, fresh basil imparts a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Recipe: Tomato Basil Sauce
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. If desired, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the tomato basil sauce over cooked pasta, use it as a pizza sauce, or enjoy it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or garlic bread.
6. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves before serving, if desired.
This tomato basil sauce is versatile and incredibly flavorful, thanks to the addition of fresh basil. It’s perfect for adding to pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and more. The fresh basil truly makes this tomato puree exceptional!