Imagine transforming simple, fresh ingredients into a mouthwatering sauce that tastes like it's straight from an Italian kitchen - without spending hours cooking! This Two Minute Fresh Tomato and Basil Sauce is your culinary shortcut to an incredibly delicious meal that will make your taste buds dance and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a vibrant, aromatic sauce that elevates any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 2 mins
Cook Time: 3 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Once clean, chop them into small pieces, discarding any tough stems. Set the chopped tomatoes aside.
- Next, take a clove of garlic and peel it. Mince the garlic finely using a knife or a garlic press. This will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 30 seconds until it shimmers, but do not let it smoke.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden.
- Once the garlic is ready, add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine them with the garlic and olive oil. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- While the tomatoes are cooking, wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel. Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice them into thin strips, known as chiffonade.
- After the tomatoes have cooked for 2 minutes, add the chopped fresh basil to the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate the basil into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional minute, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be slightly thickened but still fresh and vibrant.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Your Two Minute Fresh Tomato and Basil Sauce is now ready to serve. Enjoy it over your favorite pasta, grilled chicken, or as a topping for bruschetta.
Tips
- Choose ripe, high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly when gently pressed.
- Use fresh basil if possible - the difference in flavor is remarkable compared to dried herbs.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process. Those 30 seconds are crucial for developing a rich, aromatic base.
- Control your heat carefully to prevent burning the garlic, which can make the sauce bitter.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a small pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- This sauce is best served immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days if needed.
- Experiment with adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
