Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce is a simple, yet flavorful sauce that brings out the best of ripe tomatoes and aromatic garlic. This versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various Italian dishes. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this sauce is a go-to for weeknight dinners or whenever you need a quick, delicious meal.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, it’s easy to whip up anytime.
- Quick to Prepare: This sauce is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Fresh: Fresh tomatoes and garlic deliver a robust and satisfying taste.
- Versatile: Ideal for pasta, pizza, or even as a base for other dishes like lasagna or meatballs.
- Healthy and Light: With fresh ingredients and minimal oil, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.
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What is Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce?
Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce is a classic, Italian-inspired sauce made with ripe tomatoes, plenty of garlic, and olive oil. This simple but flavorful sauce can be used with a variety of pasta types or as a versatile base for many dishes, offering rich tomato flavor with the subtle sweetness of garlic.
Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 kg (2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of chopped tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a handful of fresh basil, torn)
- 1 pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce
Step 1. Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Step 2. Add the Tomatoes
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan with the garlic. Stir to combine. If using fresh tomatoes, you can remove the skins beforehand by blanching them, but this is optional.
Step 3. Stir in the Tomato Paste and Herbs
Add the tomato paste to thicken the sauce and deepen the tomato flavor. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. If your tomatoes are particularly acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4. Simmer the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will come together nicely. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to thin it out.
Step 5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Serve the sauce tossed with your favorite pasta, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce
- Pasta: This sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer.
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some garlic bread for dipping.
- Meatballs: Add meatballs for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle over grilled vegetables for an easy and healthy side.
- Pizza: Use the sauce as a base for your homemade pizza.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and garlic bring out the best flavor in this sauce. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, high-quality canned tomatoes are a great alternative.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Cook the garlic gently over medium heat to avoid burning, as this can ruin the flavor of the sauce.
- Simmer Slowly: Let the sauce simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley added just before serving adds a burst of freshness and brightens the dish.
- Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone for a creamy variation.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Add finely diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Bolognese Base: Use this sauce as a base and add ground beef or turkey for a classic Bolognese.
- Herb-Infused: Try adding rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves during the simmering process for a deeper, earthy flavor.
How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce
- Refrigeration: Allow the sauce to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Transfer the sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
- Labeling: Always label your containers with the date to keep track of how long the sauce has been stored.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce Leftovers
- Stovetop: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
- Add Water if Needed: If the sauce thickens too much after storage, add a small amount of water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes very well. Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop when needed.
How long does Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the sauce will last up to 4 days. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I make Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce without blending?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be chunky, but if you prefer a smooth sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender for a silky texture.
What can I add to Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce for extra flavor?
You can add a splash of red wine, balsamic vinegar, or chili flakes to give the sauce extra depth and richness. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also add a burst of flavor when stirred in at the end.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to your cooking repertoire. It’s quick and easy to make, using simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, delicious sauce perfect for any pasta dish. Whether you’re using it for a classic spaghetti dinner or as a pizza sauce, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy its robust, garlicky goodness!
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PrintJamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Garlic Pasta Sauce is a classic, Italian-inspired sauce made with ripe tomatoes, plenty of garlic, and olive oil. This simple but flavorful sauce can be used with a variety of pasta types or as a versatile base for many dishes, offering rich tomato flavor with the subtle sweetness of garlic.
Ingredients
-
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
-
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
-
- 1 kg (2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of chopped tomatoes)
-
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
-
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a handful of fresh basil, torn)
-
- 1 pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
-
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
-
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan with the garlic. Stir to combine. If using fresh tomatoes, you can remove the skins beforehand by blanching them, but this is optional.
Add the tomato paste to thicken the sauce and deepen the tomato flavor. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. If your tomatoes are particularly acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will come together nicely. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to thin it out.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Serve the sauce tossed with your favorite pasta, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.