Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a vibrant and versatile sauce that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this homemade red pepper sauce! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic addition to pasta dishes, pizzas, grilled meats, and even as a flavorful dipping sauce. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this red pepper sauce recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add the peppers and tomatoes: Add the chopped red bell pepper to the saucepan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer and blend: Reduce the heat to low, add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the peppers are very tender. If you prefer a smoother sauce, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan.
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Adjust the taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a tablespoon of sugar if the sauce is too acidic. A pinch of salt can enhance the other flavors.
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Serve and enjoy: Your delicious red pepper sauce is ready! Serve it hot over your favorite pasta, use it as a pizza sauce, drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish, or use it as a dip for breadsticks.
Cooking Tips for the Best Red Pepper Sauce:
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Roasting the peppers: For a deeper, smokier flavor, roast the red bell pepper before adding it to the sauce. Simply place the pepper directly on a gas flame or under a broiler until the skin is blackened. Then place it in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it steam for 10 minutes. This makes peeling the skin off much easier.
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Adjust the spice level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and add more to your liking.
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Fresh herbs are best: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, use them instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Red Pepper Sauce: Add a finely chopped jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Red Pepper Sauce: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Roasted Garlic Red Pepper Sauce: Roast the garlic cloves along with the red pepper for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of approximately 1/2 cup and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 100-120
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Sugar: 4-6g
- Protein: 2-3g
This easy red pepper sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it perfect for countless dishes, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and making this your own!