| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 85 | 5g | 0.7g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 2g | 0.25g |
I’m eager to share with you one of my personal favorite recipes, Mexican Bay Leaf Scented Tomato Sauce. An aromatic, flavorful delight, this dish is a loving homage to the bountiful produce of my West Coast upbringing paired with my affection for a splash of international flavor.
A Fusion of Flavor and Nutrition
This delicious, fruit-based sauce offers a terrific fusion of flavors, originating from fresh, ripe tomatoes dressed up with a lively blend of onions, garlic, and peppers. The satiating sweetness of the red bell pepper balances out the slight spiciness of the jalapeño, while the aromatic accents of Mexican bay leaves, fresh cilantro, and basil unfold gradually on the palate, taking your taste buds on a delectable journey. Crafted with care and love, this recipe marries taste and health, aligning with my lifelong commitment to wholesome, soulful food.
Packed with Health Benefits
But it’s not just about tantalizing your palate – this Mexican Bay Leaf Scented Tomato Sauce is as good for your body as it is for your soul. Tomatoes, the recipe’s main ingredient, are known for their beneficial properties, including being rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant. They, along with heart-healthy olive oil and spice-filled ingredients like jalapeño (a capsaicin goldmine), contribute to this recipe’s nutritious profile, making it a delicious addition to your health-conscious diet.
The crowning glory of this dish are the Mexican bay leaves. An often overlooked herb, bay leaves have potential health benefits including aiding in digestion and offering anti-inflammatory properties. The enticing aroma that wafts from the sauce as it cooks makes this ingredient a real standout, and for those mindful of waste, these leaves can be composted after use.
Perfect for a Variety of Dishes
Though this sauce shines when served over a bed of whole grain pasta, it’s versatile enough to complement many other dishes. Add a spoonful over grilled chicken or oven-roasted veggies. Or, go the extra mile and incorporate it in Totchos or Stuffed Bell Peppers. The intensity of flavor works wonders in enhancing the ordinary to extraordinary.
All in all, this Mexican Bay Leaf Scented Tomato Sauce, with its sumptuous texture, vibrant hues, and dynamic fusion of flavors is a delightful addition to any lovingly prepared meal. Not just another recipe, each batch reflects the warmth, diversity, and abundance of my sunny Californian roots, and my commitment to health-conscious, comfort food.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of fresh, ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of water
- 2 Mexican bay leaves
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One:
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Peel and dice your tomatoes, finely chop your onion, garlic and jalapeño, dice your bell pepper, and chop your fresh herbs.
Step Two:
In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, this should take about 5 to 6 minutes.
Step Three:
Add the minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, red bell pepper, and Mexican bay leaves to the pan. Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
Step Four:
Now, add the diced tomatoes and 1 cup of water to the pan. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes have completely broken down and the sauce has thickened.
Step Five:
At this point, add your chopped fresh cilantro and basil, fresh lime juice, sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in these ingredients and let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Step Six:
Take out the bay leaves then use an immersion blender or pour the sauce into a regular blender, and blend until it’s smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more water.
Step Seven:
Pour the sauce back into the pan and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Adjust the seasoning if necessary before removing it from the heat.
Step Eight:
Your Mexican Bay Leaf Scented Tomato Sauce is ready to use! It can be served immediately over your favorite pasta, or cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!
