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Roasted Tomato Sauce

An intensely flavored, full-bodied sauce that’s good on a variety of dishes, this one will keep for up to one week in the refrigerator. Use ripe local tomatoes and basil for best results.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 4 to 5 cups

Ingredients

For the Tomatoes

10 to 12 ripe plum tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce

1/2 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup red wine
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 450°F.

    Step 2

    Prepare the tomatoes: Toss together the plum tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

    Step 3

    Arrange the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast the tomatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, or until nicely browned. Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet.

    Step 4

    Using your hands, crush the tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, making sure to reserve the juice.

    Step 5

    Make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until the garlic is barely brown. Stir in the onion and cook for 3 minutes, or until the onion is beginning to brown. Stir in the roasted tomatoes, their reserved juice, and the thyme, basil, and red wine.

    Step 6

    Simmer the sauce for 20 to 30 minutes, or until thick. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Bubby's Brunch Cookbook cover.
Bubby’s Brunch Cookbook by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Copyright © 2009 by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Published by Ballantine Books. All Rights Reserved.
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