Tomato-Bean Sauce

Tomato-Bean Sauce Recipe | Vegetarian Food

| Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tomato-Bean Sauce is a delicious and nutritious sauce that can be served over pasta, rice, or even as a topping for grilled meats. This recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.

History

This recipe has its roots in Italian cuisine, where tomatoes and beans are commonly used in a variety of dishes. The combination of these two ingredients creates a hearty and satisfying sauce that is perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small carrot, thinly sliced
1 small stalk celery, thinly sliced
0.5 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
1.5 cups tomato sauce
1 inch piece fresh ginger, cut into 4 slices
15 oz (425 g) can yellow soybeans, with liquid
1 tsp dried basil
0.25 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

How to prepare

In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Add onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and green pepper. Cook, stirring often, until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
Add tomato sauce, ginger, and soybeans with liquid. Stir well.
Stir in basil and parsley.
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are just tender, for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove and discard the ginger.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a variation in texture and taste.
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the sauce.

- Simmering the sauce uncovered allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tomato-Bean Sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have yellow soybeans, you can use white beans or chickpeas as a substitute.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

Tomato-Bean Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Tomato-Bean Sauce with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in a decorative bowl or over a bed of cooked grains for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Tomato-Bean Sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It also complements roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tomato-Bean Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tomato-Bean Sauce contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tomato-Bean Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tomato-Bean Sauce contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tomato-Bean Sauce contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomato-Bean Sauce is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soybeans, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Tomato-Bean Sauce is a nutritious and flavorful sauce that is low in calories and high in protein. It is a great option for those looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.

Summary

Tomato-Bean Sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that is perfect for adding a boost of protein and nutrients to your meals. Whether served over pasta, rice, or grilled meats, this sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little Italian village. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the delicious aroma of simmering tomatoes and beans filled the air.

Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a large pot filled with a rich, red sauce. She noticed my eager expression and smiled, beckoning me over to join her. "Come, let me show you how to make my family's tomato-bean sauce," she said.

I watched in awe as Maria added fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs to the pot. She then poured in the beans and let everything simmer together, filling the kitchen with the most mouthwatering scent. As the sauce thickened and the flavors melded together, Maria explained that this recipe had been passed down through generations in her family.

She told me stories of her grandmother, who had learned the recipe from her own mother, and how each generation had added their own twist to make it their own. Maria's eyes sparkled with pride as she stirred the sauce, a tangible link to her family's culinary heritage.

As we sat down to enjoy a steaming bowl of the tomato-bean sauce over pasta, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria graciously shared the recipe with me, writing it down on a worn piece of parchment paper. I tucked it away in my recipe box, determined to recreate the magical flavors in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Maria's tomato-bean sauce countless times, each batch a labor of love and a tribute to her family's traditions. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch with a pinch of this or a dash of that. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a hearty, comforting sauce that warms the soul and brings people together.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the stories and memories that are woven into each fragrant spoonful. I have taught my grandchildren how to make the sauce, just as Maria taught me, hoping that they too will carry on the tradition for generations to come.

As I stand in my kitchen now, stirring a pot of bubbling tomato-bean sauce, I am filled with a deep sense of connection to the past. The scent of garlic and herbs fills the air, transporting me back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, where I first fell in love with this recipe.

And as I take a taste of the sauce, I am reminded of the power of food to link us to our roots, to nourish our bodies and our spirits, and to create lasting bonds with those we hold dear. Maria's tomato-bean sauce will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and friendship that brought me to this delicious moment.