Tomato Sauce Romanian-style

Tomato Sauce Romanian-style Recipe - A Delicious Twist from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomato Sauce Romanian-style is a classic recipe that is full of flavor and perfect for adding to a variety of dishes. This rich and savory sauce is easy to make and can be used in pasta dishes, as a topping for meats, or even as a dipping sauce for bread.

History

Tomato Sauce Romanian-style has been a staple in Romanian cuisine for generations. This recipe has been passed down through families and is a beloved favorite for its simplicity and delicious taste.

Ingredients

1 lb / 500 g boiled and strained tomatoes or 2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp vinegar
2 tbsp butter
0.75 cup beef broth or water
salt

How to prepare

In a pan, combine the water, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the butter and let it come to another boil.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add diced onions, garlic, or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the tomato sauce, consider adding fresh herbs such as basil or oregano. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tomato sauce over pasta, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a delicious dipping sauce for bread or a topping for pizza.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the tomato paste with water helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Be sure to stir the sauce frequently to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tomato paste, you can use canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce instead. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the tomato sauce with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in a decorative bowl or jar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This tomato sauce pairs well with pasta, grilled chicken, or meatballs. It also goes well with crusty bread or as a topping for bruschetta.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tomato Sauce Romanian-style contains around 120 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for adding flavor to your meals.

Carbohydrates

Tomato Sauce Romanian-style is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This tomato sauce recipe is moderate in fats, with each serving containing around 8 grams of fat. The butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce.

Proteins

Tomato Sauce Romanian-style is not a significant source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This sauce is a good source of vitamin C and potassium, thanks to the tomatoes. It also contains small amounts of vitamin A and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients you use.

Summary

Overall, Tomato Sauce Romanian-style is a nutritious and flavorful addition to your meals. It is low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy choice for those looking to add flavor without extra calories.

Summary

Tomato Sauce Romanian-style is a versatile and delicious recipe that is perfect for adding flavor to a variety of dishes. With its rich and savory taste, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Tomato Sauce Romanian-style. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Romania. My grandmother, Ana, was known for her delicious cooking and she had a special talent for creating mouthwatering dishes that would leave everyone begging for more.

One day, as I was helping her in the kitchen, she pulled out an old, tattered cookbook that had been passed down through generations. It was filled with recipes scribbled in her grandmother's handwriting, with notes and adjustments made by each cook who had used it over the years. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Tomato Sauce Romanian-style.

I watched in awe as my grandmother gathered the ingredients and started to work her magic. She sliced fresh tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped onions, and added a sprinkle of paprika for that extra kick of flavor. The kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of tomatoes simmering on the stove, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

As the sauce bubbled away, my grandmother shared the story behind the recipe. She told me that it had been passed down from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a neighbor who had traveled to Italy and brought back the secret to making the perfect tomato sauce. It was a recipe that had been cherished and perfected over the years, and now it was my turn to learn how to make it.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the sauce was finally ready. My grandmother scooped a spoonful onto a plate of freshly cooked pasta and handed it to me with a smile. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The sauce was rich and velvety, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and a subtle spiciness from the paprika. It was a taste sensation that I would never forget.

From that day on, I made it my mission to learn everything I could about this Tomato Sauce Romanian-style. I spent hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching her every move and asking a thousand questions. She patiently taught me the tricks and techniques that had been passed down through generations, and soon I was able to recreate the sauce on my own.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I continued to make the Tomato Sauce Romanian-style for my loved ones. It became a staple at our family gatherings, a dish that brought us all together and reminded us of our heritage. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who were amazed by the depth of flavor and complexity of the sauce.

Over the years, I have added my own touches and variations to the recipe, making it my own while still honoring the traditions of my ancestors. I have experimented with different types of tomatoes, spices, and herbs, always striving to create the perfect balance of flavors that my grandmother had taught me.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling tomato sauce, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the generations of cooks who came before me. Their knowledge and wisdom have been passed down through the ages, allowing me to create dishes that bring joy and comfort to those I love.

As I take a taste of the sauce, I am transported back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, filled with wonder and excitement at the magic that happens when simple ingredients are combined with love and tradition. I am proud to carry on the legacy of Tomato Sauce Romanian-style, and I know that my ancestors are smiling down on me, proud of the cook I have become.