Smoked Tomato Sauce
Smoked Tomato Sauce is a gourmet twist on traditional tomato sauce, blending the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes with rich, smoky undertones. The result of this recipe is a deep, complex flavor that adds a touch of sophistication to any dish.
Equipment
- Grill
- Large saucepan
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes halved
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, for sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the halved tomatoes on the grill, cut side down. Smoke them for 15-20 minutes until soft and slightly charred. This step infuses the tomatoes with a rich, smoky flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, usually around 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the smoked tomatoes, salt, black pepper, balsamic vinegar, and sugar (if desired) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a regular blender. Blend until smooth and velvety.
- Serve the sauce warm, or let it cool and store it in the refrigerator. This versatile sauce can also be frozen for later use.
Notes
Choose always ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes work well due to their rich taste and low moisture content.