- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 60–75 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 35 minutes
🔥 Intensity Levels
- Cooking difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Heat intensity: Medium simmer (low-to-medium flame throughout cooking)
- Flavor intensity: Rich and savory
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1.5 kg ripe tomatoes (Roma or plum preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for richness)
- ½ cup water or vegetable stock
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the tomatoes (10–15 minutes)
Wash tomatoes thoroughly. Score a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato. Boil water and blanch tomatoes for 30–60 seconds until skins start to loosen. Transfer immediately to cold water, peel, and chop roughly.
Step 2: Build the flavor base (10 minutes)
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium (6/10 intensity) heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Reduce heat slightly to medium-low (4/10) and add garlic. Cook until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Simmer the sauce (60–75 minutes)
Add chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, bay leaf, and water/stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low simmer (3/10 intensity). Stir occasionally.
If using tomato paste, add it after 20 minutes of simmering. Let the sauce reduce slowly until thick and rich.
Step 4: Blend and finish (optional, 5 minutes)
Remove bay leaf. Blend using a hand blender for a smooth texture or leave chunky for rustic style. Taste and adjust seasoning.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pasta dishes (spaghetti, penne)
- Pizza base sauce
- Shakshuka base
- Dip for bread or fries
🧪 Nutrition (Per Serving, approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
🍯 Recipe 2: Tomato Jam
Tomato Jam
⏱️ Total Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 60–90 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
🔥 Intensity Levels
- Cooking difficulty: Easy
- Heat intensity: Low simmer (2–3/10 throughout)
- Flavor intensity: Sweet, tangy, slightly spicy
🧂 Ingredients (Makes ~2 cups)
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust for sweetness preference)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2–3 cloves (optional spice note)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional for warmth)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare tomatoes (10–15 minutes)
Wash and chop tomatoes finely. Removing seeds is optional but helps achieve a smoother jam texture.
Step 2: Start cooking base (10 minutes)
Place tomatoes in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat (5/10). Add salt and lemon juice. Stir until tomatoes soften and release juices.
Step 3: Add sugar and spices (5 minutes)
Lower heat to medium-low (4/10). Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, chili flakes, and ginger if using. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves.
Step 4: Slow reduction (60–90 minutes)
Reduce heat to low (2–3/10) and let mixture simmer slowly. Stir every 5–10 minutes to prevent sticking. The jam is ready when it becomes thick, glossy, and leaves a trail when stirred.
Step 5: Final consistency test (5 minutes)
Place a small spoonful on a cold plate. If it holds shape and doesn’t run, it is ready. Remove spices if desired (cinnamon stick and cloves).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Spread on toast or crackers
- Pair with cheese boards
- Use in sandwiches or burgers
- Glaze for grilled meats or vegetables
🧪 Nutrition (Per tablespoon, approx.)
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 40 mg