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:
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.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
Season the Sauce: Add the activated apple cider vinegar, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme (if using). Stir to combine.
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.
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.
Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil or parsley if using.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.