| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 167 | 10.6g | 1.6g | 18.5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11.8g | 4.5g | 3g | 0.2g |
Every once in a while, a recipe emerges from the culinary embers that sparks a sense of joy and nostalgic warmth. The Lovage Seed and Tomato Sauce is one such gem. A delightful blend of mouthwatering ingredients, this recipe beautifully marries the fresh, acidic punch of tomatoes with the unique aroma of lovage seeds. Originating from my humble kitchen in Portland, Maine, this tomato-based marinade has become my family’s summer favorite. It’s rich, robust, and tangy – the perfect sauce that transforms every meal into a gourmet experience.
A Tangy Twist to Tradition
My journey into the world of flavors started where the Atlantic breeze mixed with the aroma of New England seafood. The Lovage Seed and Tomato Sauce recipe, while not traditionally associated with New England’s classics, holds its own. It’s a delightful surprise amidst the regular fare, reminiscent of the Italian Puttanesca sauce, but with a distinctive tang and spiciness, thanks to the use of lovage seeds and red wine vinegar.
Be it grilled seafood, pasta, or just a plain loaf of bread, this sauce turns ordinary into extraordinary. Effortlessly versatile, it pairs perfectly with the seafood dishes I frequently prepare to resonate with my coastal home’s spirit. But my daughters, Erin and Samantha, love it best when liberally spread over a slice of crusty bread, akin to the classic Bruschetta.
The Healthful Culinary Delight
The Lovage Seed and Tomato Sauce is more than a palatable pleasure; it’s a concoction bursting with health benefits, which is why it regularly graces our dining table. Tomatoes, a primary ingredient, are well-renown for their high vitamin C content, a potent antioxidant. Not to forget, they are also packed with potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
The unique addition of lovage seeds steps up the health quotient. Valued for centuries in traditional medicines, lovage offers a multitude of benefits, from easing digestive discomfort to combating inflammation. Extra virgin olive oil, another key ingredient, lends its own share of wholesome goodness. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it is a heart-friendly resource that adds a silky-smooth texture to the sauce.
With the Lovage Seed and Tomato Sauce, there is no compromise on taste in the journey towards good health. Each spoonful promises a burst of flavor and a wealth of well-being. It’s a recipe that I love not just for its taste but for the joyful, healthy moments it brings to our family dinners.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup of diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of diced onions
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of lovage seeds
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Two
Next, add the crushed tomatoes and diced fresh tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Three
Add the lovage seeds, dried oregano, salt, freshly ground black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Stir these ingredients into the tomato mixture until they are evenly distributed.
Step Four
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step Five
After the sauce has simmered, add the red wine vinegar, lemon juice and sugar. Stir these ingredients into the sauce until they are fully incorporated.
Step Six
Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This will help to balance out the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.
Step Seven
Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Your Lovage Seed and Tomato Sauce is now ready to serve! Enjoy it as a marinade for meat, a base for pasta dishes, or even as a dipping sauce for bread.
