Smoked Tomato Sauce
Smoked Tomato Sauce is made by roasting tomatoes on a smoker to infuse a rich, smoky flavor. The tomatoes are then blended with garlic, herbs, and seasonings, simmered to thicken, and used as a versatile sauce for pasta, pizza, or grilled dishes, offering a unique, smoky depth.
Equipment
- Smoker or grill (for smoking tomatoes)
- Knife and chopping board
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Blender (optional for smooth sauce)
Ingredients
- 8 smoked Roma tomatoes
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves smoked garlic confit or minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- A handful of fresh basil leaves optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Smoke Roma tomatoes using your preferred smoker or grill until they develop a smoky char. This takes about 15–20 minutes. Once done, peel off the skins and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Add the smoked garlic (or fresh garlic) and cook for another 2 minutes.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the smoked tomatoes to the saucepan, breaking them apart with a spoon. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and balsamic vinegar.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a smooth sauce, blend it at this stage.
Garnish and Serve:
- Top the sauce with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve as a topping for pasta, meats, or as a dip.
Notes
If you don’t have a smoker, you can achieve a similar smoky flavor by using smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or even grilling the tomatoes on high heat for a short time to create a charred effect.
Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level. If you like it milder, leave them out entirely.