Ever had one of those moments where you’re in the kitchen, surrounded by ingredients, and you just know you’re about to create something magical? Let me tell you, this sun-dried tomato sauce is exactly that kind of moment, where the aroma of garlic mingles with basil to transport you straight to an Italian trattoria!
I love the rich, savory flavor of my sun-dried tomato sauce, elevated by the tangy depth from balsamic vinegar and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Packed with nutrients, the dish benefits from antioxidant-rich sun-dried tomatoes and heart-healthy olive oil, making it both delicious and wholesome.
Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe Ingredients
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C; packed with antioxidants.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; boosts flavor and texture.
- Garlic: Contains allicin; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Excellent source of lycopene; promotes heart health.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy sweetness; low in calories.
- Fresh Basil: Provides vitamin K; enhances aroma and taste.
Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make this Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to warm through for about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
5. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the saucepan, stirring well.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and sugar, letting the sauce cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
10. Serve the sun-dried tomato sauce over cooked pasta, chicken, or vegetables of your choice. Enjoy!
Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large saucepan
2. Measuring spoons
3. Measuring cups
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Can opener
FAQ
- Can I use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?
If you use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes to soften them. - Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute, though the flavor may vary slightly. - How can I make this sauce spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste, or add a chopped fresh chili pepper. - What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil, but the flavor will be less vibrant. - How long does this sauce keep?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. - Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Yes, this sauce works well as a pizza base, adding a rich, tangy flavor. - Is there a way to make this a vegan recipe?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the sauce vegan.
Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations
–
–
–
–
–
Pro Tips
1. Infuse Extra Flavor: Before using the sun-dried tomatoes, you can soak them in a little warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain them to intensify their flavor and make them softer. You can add this soaking water to step 5 for added depth of flavor.
2. Balanced Acidity: If you find the sauce too acidic from the tomatoes, consider adding an extra teaspoon of sugar. Alternatively, you can stir in a touch of heavy cream at the end for a richer flavor and to cut down on acidity.
3. Enhance Garlic Flavor: For a deeper garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic before mincing. Roasted garlic will impart a sweeter, more mellow garlic taste to the sauce.
4. Herb Infusion: In addition to fresh basil, you can include other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme when you add the crushed tomatoes for a more complex herbal profile.
5. Texture Variation: For added texture, reserve a tablespoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to stir in at the end along with the basil. This provides bites with a burst of concentrated tomato flavor.
Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe
My favorite Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large saucepan
2. Measuring spoons
3. Measuring cups
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Can opener
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to warm through for about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
5. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the saucepan, stirring well.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and sugar, letting the sauce cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
10. Serve the sun-dried tomato sauce over cooked pasta, chicken, or vegetables of your choice. Enjoy!
