| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 80 | 4.8g | 0.7g | 8.9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6.2g | 2.6g | 1.8g | 0.4g |
Standing in my kitchen here in sunny Miami, I’m whipping up one of my absolute favorites – White Pepper and Basil Tomato Sauce. As a Cuban-Spanish lady with a passion for dance and food, I can say that this recipe has a certain rhythm to it. A blend of lively, fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, sharpened by a delicate spike of white pepper. It’s a dance in itself, an energetic salsa of flavors combining to create a rich, vibrant sauce that brings even the simplest dish to life.
The Health Beat of this Sauce
Healthwise, this White Pepper and Basil Tomato Sauce is a showstopper. Enriched with lycopene from fresh tomatoes, an antioxidant associated with heart health and cancer prevention, this sauce isn’t just a taste sensation. It’s also adding a rhythm of wellness to your meals. Coupled with the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties of garlic, and the heart-healthy monounsaturated fats in the olive oil, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
A Versatile Companion to Many Dishes
Whether you’re preparing a traditional pasta pomodoro, a vegetable pizza, or a vibrant Spanish extravaganza of paella, this tomato-basil sauce is a versatile partner. Its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy profile meshes delicately with a range of carbohydrates and proteins, its acidity opening up a dance floor of flavors. Not to mention, it’s a fabulous base for your favorite Cubano sandwich.
Despite being deeply rooted in my Spanish heritage, its assertive yet versatile flavor profile invites culinary explorations across the world. From Italian classics to Caribbean dishes, with just a spoonful of this white pepper and basil tomato sauce, you can enjoy a passionate, flavor-filled dance across the globe, right at your dinner table.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your ingredients: chop the 4 cups of fresh tomatoes and 1/2 cup fresh basil, and mince the 2 cloves of garlic.
Step Two
Heat the 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté until the garlic is lightly browned. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent it from burning.
Step Four
After the garlic is lightly browned, add the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan. Cook and stir until the tomatoes are tender and have released their juice, usually about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step Five
Introduce the chopped basil, 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of white sugar. Continue to stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Six
Reduce the heat, and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to come together and make the sauce thicker.
Step Seven
Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Your White Pepper and Basil Tomato Sauce is now ready to be served.
