Tired of the same old pasta sauce? Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This roasted red pepper pasta sauce recipe is your new go-to for quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. It's bursting with fresh, sweet, and smoky flavors that will elevate your pasta night to a whole new level. Homemade cooking doesn't get much simpler or tastier than this!
Ingredients:
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 medium red onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Roasting the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the red peppers, remove the stems, seeds, and membranes. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the skins are blistered and blackened.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
While the peppers are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Adding the Roasted Peppers
Once the peppers are roasted, transfer them to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes. This helps to steam the peppers, making it easier to peel off the skin. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard. Roughly chop the roasted peppers and add them to the pan with the onions and garlic.
Step 4: Simmering the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
Step 5: Serving Your Delicious Creation
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the roasted red pepper sauce over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness and vibrant color. This easy recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a more elegant meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother sauce: Blend the sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth.
- Add some heat: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Boost the flavor: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper, richer tomato flavor.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or cream cheese at the end for a creamy and decadent sauce.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. Ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly for a vegan option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the pasta and serving size but generally provides a good source of vitamins A and C from the peppers, as well as fiber. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities.
This roasted red pepper pasta sauce is a versatile and healthy addition to your repertoire of food recipes. It's a quick and easy way to create a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a simple yet flavorful dinner. Enjoy!