Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a burst of flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy? This homemade Sun Dried Tomato Sauce is not just a recipe; it's an experience! With its rich, tangy notes and the aromatic essence of fresh basil, this sauce is the perfect companion for any dish, whether you're tossing it with pasta, spreading it on a sandwich, or using it as a dip. In just 25 minutes, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to dive into a world of vibrant flavors!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the sun-dried tomatoes if they are packed in oil, or rehydrate them in warm water for about 10 minutes if they are dried. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic, which can make it bitter.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their intense flavor.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Use a light hand with salt, as sun-dried tomatoes are naturally quite salty.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil, allowing its aromatic oils to infuse into the warm sauce.
- For a smoother consistency, transfer the sauce to a food processor and pulse until desired texture is achieved. For a chunkier sauce, leave as is.
- Serve immediately over pasta, as a spread, or use as a versatile sauce for various dishes. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Choose high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. If possible, opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer taste.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sauté the garlic gently over medium-low heat to release its flavors without burning. Burnt garlic can spoil the taste of your sauce.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it in a food processor until you reach your desired texture. For a chunkier sauce, simply leave it as is.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding salt, as sun-dried tomatoes can be quite salty on their own. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Make it Ahead: This sauce stores well! Prepare it in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, making meal prep a breeze.
- Versatile Uses: Beyond pasta, try this sauce as a topping for grilled chicken, a spread for sandwiches, or even as a flavorful dip for breadsticks or veggies.
- Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme along with the basil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
