| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 211 | 7.9g | 1.2g | 27.6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4.7g | 3g | 5.8g | 0.4g |
When it comes to sauces, my personal favorite has always leaned toward the zesty, vibrant, and flavorsome. The Tasmanian Pepper and Tomato Pasta Sauce is one such recipe that holds a firm place in my culinary heart, a dish that is as exotic as it’s name and as versatile as you want it to be. It embodies everything I love about cooking – the melding of diverse ingredients, the alchemy of their interactions, and the bubbling mixture gradually transforming into something greater than its individual parts.
The Fusion of Tastes
The crowning star of this pasta sauce is the Tasmanian pepperberries. Known for their distinctive hot and spicy flavor with an undercurrent of sweet fruitiness, they paint an existential contrast to the creamy, vine-ripened tomatoes. When simmered together in the cauldron of my skillet, a synergy emerges and evolves — the pepper’s spice elevates the ripe, sweet acidity of the tomatoes. Every spoonful acquires an energizing punch, balancing well with the humble earthiness of the olive oil and the aromatic allure of the garlic and onions.
Transcending Borders with Every Bite
My love for Tasmanian Pepper and Tomato Pasta Sauce does not end at its unique taste. What truly enthralls me is its ability to serve as a bridge between my Pacific Northwest roots and my enduring attachment to Japan. Just as I connect the local seafood bounty with traditional sushi rolls, this sauce blends the exoticism of Tasmanian pepper with the universally loved tomato base, creating a heartening bit of solace in each bite. It’s akin to introducing a friend from home to a new acquaintance made on my travels in the most harmonious of foodie introductions.
Health & Versatility: Twin Pillars of This Recipe
Not only does the Tasmanian Pepper and Tomato Pasta Sauce provide a flavor explosion, but it also offers substantial health benefits. Tomatoes are brimming with enriching vitamins and antioxidants while Tasmanian pepperberries are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, olive oil, a trusted companion in any kitchen, contributes to heart health with its monounsaturated fats.
The sauce pairs beautifully with various types of pasta and can easily fit well in ensemble dishes like lasagna or moussaka. For those who might prefer something lighter, it will serve well as a stunning dip with some crispy whole-grain bread or as a creative dressing to your favorite salad, accompanying you from a midweek dinner to a culinary extravaganza!
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Tasmanian pepperberries, ground
- 6 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice
- Grated Parmesan cheese to taste (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Step Two
After the oil is heated, add 1 cup of diced onions and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the pan. Sauté these until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of ground Tasmanian pepperberries, stirring constantly to prevent them from burning.
Step Four
Add 6 diced ripe tomatoes to the pan along with 1 teaspoon each of sugar and salt. Also add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and let the mixture simmer.
Step Five
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are broken down and the sauce has thickened.
Step Six
While the sauce is simmering, cook 12 ounces of pasta of your choice according to the instructions on the package.
Step Seven
Once the sauce is done simmering, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves for added fresh flavor.
Step Eight
Drain the pasta and combine it with the sauce, making sure to evenly coat the pasta.
Step Nine
If desired, top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Serve the pasta while hot and enjoy your Tasmanian Pepper and Tomato Pasta Sauce.
