Anyways... This sauce is full of veggies that are diced, lightly sauteed, pureed, and simmered until all the flavors marry together. I must admit it is kind of a process. It isn't exactly baby-not-sleeping-through-the-night, exhausted-new-mom, husband-busy-with-college-and-work type of thing though. Even if its freezer friendly and I can make large batches that last for a few months.... I eventually will run out. And I did. Enter an easy three step eggplant, red pepper tomato/pasta sauce.
Gasp. I hate running out of staples. This left me scrambling until... I remembered this great this sauce using eggplant, so I whipped up something similar. Only took 20 minutes! I could hold the baby a little, let him play on the floor, and before I could say wet diaper it was done! It tasted great and also worked extremely well in my updated chipotle pizza casserole.
I heart eggplant. It is so easy to work with, and combine into things without much notice. It's also a great source of b vitamins and fiber.
The Sauce
makes approx 4 cups
1 tsp olive oil
1 can (14-15oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14-15oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes
1/4 cup of pinot noir (one of my fav red wines)
1 eggplant, skinned and chopped
1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 tsp dried basil
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp pepper
Variations:
1. To make this into pasta sauce or pizza sauce add 2 Tbs of Italian seasoning.
2. If you are using this in the place of canned tomato sauce like in chili I would add in 1 tsp more smoked paprika.
3. Keep it as is, and use it in the place of anything that calls for canned tomato sauce in a recipe to get more nuritients.
Easy 3 Step Directions
1. Combine the olive oil, eggplant, and red pepper in pot or pan with thick sides. Saute for a few minutes.
2. Add in everything else, stir well, and simmer on medium low for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. Blend the tomato mixture in a food processor or blender until it is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
*A useful tip: when blending hot things like sauces or purees use a hand towel over your blender to prevent the steam popping the lid off, splattering your kitchen with food, or burning yourself.
*If freezing cool completely before storing in freezer bags flat or in freezer containers.
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ReplyDeleteThank you!
Kamila