Zesty Tomato Sauce Recipes

RICH AND ZESTY RED WINE TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large pot, sweat the chopped onions and garlic in the olive oil over med-low heat.
• Add the peeled tomatoes, crushing them with your hands one by one into smaller chunks. Be careful- they squirt all over the place! Make sure to pour in all the liquid in the cans as well. Add all ingredients except salt, cheese, and wine.
• Stir all ingredients together. Cover, and increase heat to med-high. Simmer/cook 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the sauce doesn't burn on the bottom.
• Add about 1/3 of the bottle of merlot. Add the cheese. Stir, reduce heat slightly and let that cook uncovered for another 15-20 min, stirring occasionally.
• Taste and determine if you need salt, and add to taste. For salt with a little tang, add some more cheese, if you have it. Let simmer another 15 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally.
• During the last simmering stage, cook your pasta.
• Serve over pasta (1 ladleful is gracious plenty). Extra sauce can frozen for up to a month. To reheat, let simmer on low uncovered, stirring frequently so the sugar in the merlot doesn't burn.
• *Spicy alternative: For a spicier sauce, use shiraz in place of merlot and add 2 tsp of dried red pepper flakes.

ZESTY TOMATO DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium. When it shimmers, add garlic and cook until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, about 2 minutes.
• Add tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons water; simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and season to taste. Transfer to a bowl and serve warm. This sauce can also be made and refrigerated in an airtight container up to five days ahead. When ready to serve, gently reheat until warm.

BASIC SPICY TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion in the oil until translucent. Add the garlic and cook and stir another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt. Cook until completely heated, another 2 to 3 minutes.