Easy Peasy Tomato-Based Sauce with Activated Apple Cider Vinegar

This is not just a sauce; it's your secret ingredient for turning everyday recipes into something extraordinary.

This easy peasy tomato-based pasta sauce is truly the ultimate all-purpose recipe you'll want to keep in your kitchen arsenal. Its simplicity belies its versatility and rich flavour, making it the perfect foundation for a variety of dishes.

Whether you're tossing it with your favorite pasta, spreading it on a homemade pizza, or using it as a flavourful base for a hearty casserole, this sauce adapts effortlessly to your needs. With just a few staple ingredients and a splash of activated apple cider vinegar to elevate its taste, it delivers a delightful balance of tanginess and depth that enhances every meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can crushed tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon activated apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

3. Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.

4. Season the Sauce: Add the activated apple cider vinegar, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme (if using). Stir to combine.

5. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. If the sauce is too tangy, you can add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.

7. Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil or parsley if using.

8. Serve: Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta or use it as a base for other dishes. Enjoy!

This sauce is quick, easy, and uses activated apple cider vinegar to add a unique depth of flavor to a classic tomato sauce.

Tips for Adding Protein:

Beef Mince:

1. Brown the Beef: Before adding the tomatoes, heat a bit more olive oil in your saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 kg of mince. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Aromatics: After browning the beef, add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Then proceed with adding the garlic, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes as described in the recipe.

3. Season Well: You may need to adjust the seasoning after adding the beef. Be sure to taste the sauce and add extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

4. Simmer: Continue to simmer the sauce as described. The beef will infuse the sauce with rich flavor.

Alternative Proteins:

• Turkey or Chicken: These can be used similarly to beef mince. They’ll have a milder flavor but will still add protein.

• Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian option, crumble tofu or tempeh and sauté it until golden before adding it to the sauce.

Tips for Thickening the Sauce for Pizza:

1. Reduce the Sauce: To make a thicker sauce for pizza, you need to cook it down. After following the basic sauce recipe, simmer it uncovered for a longer period—about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Use Tomato Paste: Increase the amount of tomato paste to thicken the sauce. Stir in an extra tablespoon or two of tomato paste during the cooking process for a richer, thicker consistency.

3. Add a Thickener: You can mix a small amount of cornstarch or flour with water (about 1 tablespoon of starch to 2 tablespoons of water) and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Be cautious with this method, as too much can alter the flavor.

4. Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smooth, thick pizza sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce after it has thickened. This will give you a more uniform texture.

5. Cook Down Tomato Paste: Another method is to cook the tomato paste separately in a small pan until it darkens and caramelises slightly, then add it to your sauce. This enhances the flavor and thickens the sauce.

Final Adjustments:

• Taste and Adjust: Whether you’re adding protein or thickening the sauce, always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

• Cool and Store: If you’re making the sauce ahead of time, let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

These tips will help you customize your tomato sauce for various uses, from hearty pasta dishes to rich, spreadable pizza sauce.