Name: Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 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 pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Garlic Sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip for bread. With just a handful of simple ingredients, including ripe tomatoes and aromatic garlic, this sauce delivers a robust and comforting flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick sauce for dinner or a base for other dishes, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Simple and Flavorful: Made with basic ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
Versatile: Works well with pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for bread.

Healthy and Fresh: Uses fresh tomatoes and garlic for a nutrient-packed sauce.
Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: This can be adjusted to suit your taste by adding herbs or spices.

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What is Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce?

Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Garlic Sauce is a classic Italian-inspired sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The tomatoes are cooked down to a thick, rich sauce with the garlic infusing it with a robust, aromatic flavor. This sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza, and is quick and easy to prepare.

Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 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 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 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, being careful not to burn it. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it.

Step 2. Add the Tomatoes

Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan. Stir well to combine with the garlic. If using fresh tomatoes, you can remove the skins beforehand for a smoother sauce, but this is optional.

Step 3. Add the Tomato Paste and Herbs

Stir in the tomato paste, which adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4. Simmer the Sauce

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable stock.

Step 5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a pizza base. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce

Pasta: Toss the sauce with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta shape for a quick and delicious meal.
Pizza: Use the sauce as a base for homemade pizza, topping it with cheese and your favorite toppings.

Meatballs: Serve this sauce over homemade or store-bought meatballs for a comforting dinner.
Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread for dipping.
Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the sauce over roasted or grilled vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce

Use Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes provide the best flavor. If tomatoes are out of season, canned tomatoes work just as well.
Adjust the Garlic: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference. For a milder garlic flavor, cook the garlic more slowly on low heat.
Balance Acidity: If your tomatoes are too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking to brighten the sauce.
Blend for Smoothness: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and blend until the desired consistency is reached.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce

Spicy Arrabbiata: Add chili flakes or a diced red chili for a spicy kick.

Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone for a creamy version of the sauce.
Herb-Infused: Add rosemary or thyme while simmering for a deeper, earthy flavor.
Vegetable-Loaded: Add finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the vegetable content.

Bolognese Base: Use this sauce as a base and add ground beef or turkey for a simple Bolognese.

How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce

Refrigeration: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date.

Portion Control: Freeze in smaller portions for quick and easy meals.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce Leftovers

Stovetop: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Microwave: Place the sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

Add Water if Needed: If the sauce thickens too much after storage, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it while reheating.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 120 kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g

Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 300mg

FAQs

Can I freeze Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce?

Yes, this sauce freezes very well. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave when needed.

Can I use canned tomatoes for Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce?

Yes, canned tomatoes are a great substitute if fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor, and be sure to simmer them long enough to cook out any excess moisture.

How long does Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce last in the fridge?

The sauce will last up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make Jamie Oliver Tomato Garlic Sauce without adding sugar?

Yes, you can skip the sugar if your tomatoes aren’t too acidic. If you find the sauce too tangy, add just a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Garlic Sauce is a simple yet flavorful sauce that brings the best out of fresh tomatoes and garlic. It’s versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes, making it a must-have recipe for every kitchen. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on pizza, or using it as a dipping sauce, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Enjoy its rich, garlicky goodness with your next meal!

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