Mediterranean Diet Salsa de Tomate Casera

Capture the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Mediterranean Diet Salsa de Tomate Casera, a wholesome homemade tomato sauce perfect for any meal. This easy-to-make sauce combines ripe, juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, sweet red bell pepper, and fragrant fresh basil, all simmered to perfection with extra virgin olive oil and a touch of balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth. Infused with classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano and finished with a velvety smooth or chunky texture, this tomato sauce is as versatile as it is delicious. Ready in just under an hour, it's ideal for pairing with pasta, enhancing seafood dishes, or as a savory topping for roasted vegetables. With its simple ingredients and nutrient-rich profile, this recipe embraces the heart-healthy principles of the Mediterranean diet. Perfect for meal prep, enjoy it fresh or store it as a flavorful essential for busy weeknights!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 large ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

Step 1

Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the cores and dice them into small pieces.

Step 2

Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Set aside.

Step 3

Wash the red bell pepper, remove the seeds and stem, and chop it into small pieces.

Step 4

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.

Step 5

Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Step 6

Add the garlic to the saucepan and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.

Step 7

Add the chopped red bell pepper to the mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan, along with the dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 9

Stir the mixture well, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer on low to medium heat for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

Uncover the saucepan, add the balsamic vinegar, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 11

Tear the fresh basil leaves with your hands and stir them into the sauce. Allow the flavors to meld together for a minute before removing the saucepan from heat.

Step 12

Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the saucepan until it reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier sauce, blend only lightly.

Step 13

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Step 14

Serve the homemade Salsa de Tomate Casera over your favorite pasta, as a base for seafood or vegetable dishes, or store in sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1751.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	616.9

Total Fat 31.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2412.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.9g	0%
Total Sugars 49.3g
Protein 16.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 223.1mg	0%
Iron 6.3mg	0%
Potassium 3978.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.2%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 48.0%