Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce Recipe

It is a tangy and spicy pasta sauce, prepared with only one tablespoon of oil. This pasta sauce can be stored in a refrigerator easily for 4-5 days. So, cook it and store it.

I have added an unusual ingredient, carrot to it. Carrot contributes to sweetness in the sauce and adds nutrition as well. I make sure to add vegetables like carrot and capsicum in pizza/pasta sauce itself , whenever I cook pasta for my son. He relishes it and I am happy that he has eaten vegetables. It is a win-win situation for both of us. I have not added capsicum to this sauce but will soon be sharing the recipe with it.

Main ingredient of this sauce is tomato. They are a rich source of vitamin A (good for eyes and skin), vitamin C (boosts immunity), potassium (healthy functioning of body’s cells, tissues and organs) and folic acid (necessary for cell development). A single sized tomato contains half of your daily value of vitamin C. They are also a good source of antioxidants lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein. Red colour of tomatoes mainly comes from lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Research suggests that it provides protection against cancer.

Another important ingredient, Basil is again a healthy herb. It is noted to be rich in Vitamin A,Vitamin K and possesses many other vitamins and minerals.

So, go ahead and enjoy your healthy pasta.

Yields: 1 1/2 cup sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 Medium Onion (Chopped)
• 4  Medium Tomatoes (Chopped)
• 1 Big Carrot (Chopped)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Chopped Garlic
• 1/2 cup Fresh Italian Basil leaves(Shredded)
• 2 Tsp Paprika Powder
• 2 Tsp Chilli Flakes
• 1 1/2 Tsp Dry Parsley (Optional)
• 2 Tsp Italian Mixed Herbs Seasoning
• 3 Tbsp Tomato Ketchup
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil/Any Other Cooking Oil
• Salt As per Taste

METHOD

1. Heat oil in a non-stick pan and add chopped garlic to it. Once it turns slight golden, add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes till it turns translucent.
2. Add carrot. Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and cook till they are tender.
4. Add paprika powder, chilli flakes, dry parsley, mixed herbs seasoning, tomato ketchup and salt. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Add basil and cook for a minute. Do not cook for long as too much exposure to heat reduces its flavor.
6. Allow the mixture to cool down completely and subsequently, blitz the mixture in a grinder.
7. Transfer the contents to the pan again and cook it to reach desired consistency. Add water, if needed.
8. Cook with the pasta of your choice and serve it.

TIPS/SUGGESTIONS

1. It pairs well with short pasta shapes like penne,macaroni, farfalle,fusilli etc.
2. One can pair it with fettuccine and spaghetti as well. In such a case, add some cream or milk to the sauce in its last stage of cooking to provide a creamy texture.