Tomato and basil sauce
Tomato and basil sauce is one of the most classic and appreciated condiments in Italian cuisine. This sauce, simple and genuine, best represents the Mediterranean culinary tradition, enhancing the natural and authentic flavors of the ingredients.
Ingredients for tomato and basil sauce
The fundamental ingredients for preparing an excellent tomato and basil sauce are few and easy to find:
- Tomatoes: preferably fresh and ripe, tomatoes are the base of the sauce. If out of season, good quality canned tomatoes can be used.
- Basil: fresh basil leaves give the sauce an unmistakable aroma and a delicate taste.
- Extra virgin olive oil: essential for sautéing and flavoring the sauce.
- Onion: used to give an extra touch of flavor, it is usually sautéed at the beginning.
- Salt and pepper: to adjust the taste according to personal preference.
Preparation of tomato and basil sauce
The preparation of tomato and basil sauce is simple and quick:
- Sautéing. In a large pan, heat some extra virgin olive oil and add a bit of finely chopped white onion or a whole clove of garlic, depending on your preference. Let it sauté slightly.
- Tomatoes. Add peeled and chopped tomatoes or tomato puree. Mix well and let it cook over medium heat.
- Cooking. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During cooking, the sauce will thicken and the flavors will blend.
- Basil. Towards the end of cooking, add the hand-torn basil leaves. This step is essential to maintain the fresh aroma of the basil.
- Seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper to personal taste.
Pairings
Tomato and basil sauce is extremely versatile. It pairs perfectly with various types of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, but it is also excellent for gnocchi and lasagna. It can be used as a base for pizzas, bruschettas, or even to accompany meat or fish dishes.
Variations
There are numerous regional and personal variations of tomato and basil sauce. Some prefer to add a pinch of sugar to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes, others enrich the sauce with chopped onion or chili pepper for a spicy touch. Others still, as mentioned, prefer the use of garlic. In any case, the simplicity and quality of the ingredients remain the secret to a perfect sauce.
In conclusion, tomato and basil sauce is a celebration of Italian cuisine, which with a few fresh and genuine ingredients manages to create a delicious and comforting dish. It is a recipe that every cooking enthusiast should know and be able to prepare, a true symbol of Mediterranean culinary tradition.
Fresh tomato and basil sauce online
LaTerraDiPuglia offers you a fresh tomato and basil sauce, just like homemade, available online. You only need to open it and heat it briefly. It will be ready to dress your fresh pasta immediately. Choose the traditional Apulian formats: it will feel like being on holiday in Puglia!
