Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce (Printable Format)
Garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce with herbs and olive oil—versatile for pasta, pizza, or as a spread.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
01 - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1 small shallot, minced
→ Liquids
04 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth
05 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
→ Seasonings
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Finishing Touches
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
# How-To Steps:
01 - Drain the sun-dried tomatoes from their oil and place them into a food processor or blender.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
03 - Transfer the sautéed aromatics to the food processor with the sun-dried tomatoes. Add the remaining olive oil, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon juice. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
04 - Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed. For extra creaminess, blend in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
05 - Serve warm over pasta, use as a pizza sauce, or enjoy as a condiment for grilled meats and roasted vegetables.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It comes together in under thirty minutes with zero cooking skills required and tastes like something from a trattoria that has been around for generations.
- The texture is velvety and spreadable which means it works on pasta but also on sandwiches roasted vegetables and anything that needs a punch of savory depth.
02 -
- Do not skip sautéing the shallot and garlic because raw garlic blended straight in will taste harsh and aggressive rather than sweet and mellow.
- The sauce thickens as it sits in the fridge so add a splash of broth or olive oil when reheating to bring it back to a spreadable consistency.
03 -
- Save the oil from the sun dried tomato jar and use it in place of regular olive oil for an extra layer of tomato flavor woven through the entire sauce.
- If your blender is struggling add the broth a little at a time rather than all at once to help the blades catch and process everything evenly.