Mary Berry Tomato Sauce is a classic recipe that promises to be both simple and versatile, perfect for enhancing pasta dishes, pizzas, and more. This sauce, featuring ripe tomatoes at its heart along with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, embodies the essence of home cooking with a touch of sophistication. It’s designed to be a go-to solution for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor to their meals.
Follow along as we dive into the simplicity and elegance of Mary Berry’s Tomato Sauce, offering you a step-by-step guide filled with tips and tricks to ensure your sauce is nothing short of perfection.
What is Mary Berry Tomato Sauce Recipe?
Mary Berry Tomato Sauce is a vibrant, richly flavored sauce that embodies the essence of ripe tomatoes, infused with a blend of herbs and spices. It stands out for its balance of sweetness and acidity, making it an essential recipe in the repertoire of home cooks and professional chefs alike. This sauce is not only a testament to Mary Berry’s philosophy of simplicity and flavor but also a versatile base that can elevate a variety of dishes.
Ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking, this sauce can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for enhancing a wide variety of dishes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatility: Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, its uses are endless.
- Simplicity: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s accessible to cooks of all levels.
- Flavorful: Each spoonful is packed with the fresh, aromatic taste of tomatoes and herbs.
- Healthy: Made with fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Tomato Sauce
To make Mary Berry’s tomato sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 large onions, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
- 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
- 300ml of vegetable stock
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Cook the onions and garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
Step 2: Add the seasonings
Add the oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute, stirring well.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and stock
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, and vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the sauce is thick and reduced.
Step 4: Blend the sauce
Transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your blender. Alternatively, you can use a hand blender and blend the sauce directly in the saucepan.
Step 5: Add the basil and adjust the seasoning
Stir in the chopped basil and taste for seasoning. Adjust if needed.
Step 6: Enjoy or store your tomato sauce
Enjoy your homemade tomato sauce with your favorite dish, or let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Tomato Sauce?
Mary Berry Tomato Sauce is a testament to versatility in the kitchen. Its rich, comforting taste complements a wide range of dishes, making it a staple for any meal.
Here are some delightful pairings:
- Classic Pasta Dishes: Whether you’re preparing spaghetti, fusilli, or penne, this sauce acts as the perfect accompaniment, turning a simple pasta dish into a feast.
- Homemade Pizza: Spread it over your pizza dough before adding your favorite toppings for a homemade pizza night.
- Meatballs: Serve the sauce as a base or a dipping sauce for meatballs, offering a succulent and flavorful meal.
- Eggplant Parmesan: Use it in layers for a comforting eggplant parmesan that’s sure to impress.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill your bell peppers with a mixture of rice, meat, and Mary Berry Tomato Sauce for a baked delight.
- Baked Fish: A spoonful of this sauce over baked fish fillets can add a delightful Mediterranean twist.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Tomato Sauce
Achieving perfection in Mary Berry’s Tomato Sauce involves attention to detail and a few insider tips:
- Quality of Tomatoes: The sauce’s flavor heavily depends on the tomatoes’ quality. Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find for a naturally sweet and vibrant sauce.
- Simmering Time: Patience is key. Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to develop a depth of flavor. A longer simmer time melds the flavors more harmoniously.
- Herb Selection: Fresh herbs lend a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce that dried herbs can’t match. If you must use dried, remember the ratio of fresh to dried is 3:1.
- Balancing Acidity: If your sauce tastes too acidic, a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors. Alternatively, grated carrots add natural sweetness and nutrition.
- Texture: For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender. For a chunkier texture, leave it as is or lightly crush the tomatoes.
Variations of Mary Berry Tomato Sauce
Customizing the Mary Berry Tomato Sauce to suit your taste or dietary preferences can lead to delightful variations:
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Creamy Tomato Basil: Incorporate a splash of cream and extra fresh basil for a luxurious, creamy tomato basil sauce.
- Vegan Delight: Ensure all ingredients are plant-based, and you might add a touch of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.
- Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce: Begin by roasting garlic in the oven, then blend it into the sauce for a sweet, caramelized garlic flavor.
- Puttanesca Twist: Add capers, olives, and anchovies for a bold, briny, and rich Puttanesca sauce variation.
How do I Store Mary Berry Tomato Sauce Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Cool the sauce completely and store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portion-sized containers or ice cube trays for easy use. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Tomato Sauce Leftovers?
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Nutrition value per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 97 kcal
- Fat: 4.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.5 g
- Protein: 2.1 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Sodium: 229 mg
- Potassium: 413 mg
- Vitamin A: 583 IU
- Vitamin C: 19 mg
- Calcium: 38 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
FAQs
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh Tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes as a convenient alternative to fresh tomatoes. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. If using whole canned tomatoes, crush or blend them before adding to the sauce. The key is to adjust cooking times and seasoning as canned tomatoes might have added salt.
How Can I Make This Sauce Thicker or Thinner?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered for longer, allowing excess liquid to evaporate. For a thinner sauce, add a little bit of water or vegetable stock until you reach the desired consistency. Remember, the sauce will also thicken slightly as it cools.
Is This Tomato Sauce Suitable for Freezing?
Absolutely! This tomato sauce freezes wonderfully. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space for expansion, and label each container with the date. Use within 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How Can I Add a Protein to This Sauce?
To incorporate protein into the sauce, consider adding cooked ground meat, such as beef, turkey, or lamb after the vegetables have softened. Cooked lentils or beans can be added for a vegetarian protein boost. Ensure the protein is fully cooked and seasoned before incorporating it into the sauce for an even distribution of flavors.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s tomato sauce recipe is a simple and easy way to make a delicious and versatile sauce that you can use for many dishes. It is also healthy, economical, and freezer-friendly. You only need a few ingredients, a saucepan, and a blender, and you can whip up a large batch of sauce in less than an hour.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berry’s tomato sauce recipe. If you did, please share it with your friends and family, and leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for reading, and happy cooking!
