Why You’ll Love This
Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Sauce is a rich, flavorful sauce with a naturally sweet and smoky taste. Roasting the vegetables deepens their flavor and creates a silky sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. It’s simple to make, uses wholesome ingredients, and tastes far better than store-bought sauces.
Ingredients
● 5 ripe tomatoes, halved
● 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and sliced
● 1 small onion, roughly chopped
● 4 cloves garlic, peeled
● 3 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 teaspoon salt
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
● 1 teaspoon dried oregano
● ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
● 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
● ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
● ½ cup vegetable broth or water (as needed for blending)
Preparation Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Vegetables
Place tomatoes, red peppers, onion, and garlic on the baking sheet. -
Season the Vegetables
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. -
Roast the Vegetables
Roast for 25–30 minutes until the vegetables are soft and lightly caramelized. -
Transfer to Blender
Carefully transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. -
Add Flavor Ingredients
Add tomato paste and fresh basil if using. -
Blend the Sauce
Blend until smooth, adding vegetable broth or water gradually until the desired consistency is reached. -
Adjust Seasoning
Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. -
Optional Simmer
For a deeper flavor, simmer the sauce in a saucepan for 10–15 minutes. -
Serve
Use immediately with pasta, pizza, or roasted dishes.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper
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Blender or food processor
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Knife and cutting board
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Saucepan (optional)
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Measuring spoons
Tips
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Use ripe tomatoes: The riper the tomatoes, the sweeter and richer the sauce will be.
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Peel the peppers (optional): If you want a smoother sauce, remove the roasted pepper skins before blending.
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Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a gentle spice.
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Make it creamy: Blend in a tablespoon of cream or ricotta for a creamy version.
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Roast longer for deeper flavor: Slight caramelization adds more sweetness and complexity.
Serving Suggestions
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Toss with spaghetti, penne, or gnocchi.
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Use as a pizza sauce or flatbread topping.
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Serve with grilled chicken or fish.
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Spoon over roasted vegetables or grain bowls.
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Use as a dipping sauce for bread or mozzarella sticks.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store the sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes. Use whole peeled canned tomatoes and roast them with the peppers and onions.
2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it longer on the stovetop or add a little tomato paste.
3. Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes. This recipe is naturally vegan unless dairy is added.
Conclusion
Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Sauce is a flavorful, versatile sauce that enhances many dishes with its sweet roasted taste and smooth texture. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, it’s a wonderful homemade alternative to store-bought sauces.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 90 kcal
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Protein: 2 g
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Carbohydrates: 10 g
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Fat: 5 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 260 mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used. 🍅🌶️✨
