Tired of reaching for the pre-made jar of pasta sauce? Fear not, pasta lovers! Celebrity chef Shivi Ramoutar, who you might recognize from This Morning, has a secret weapon for creating a perfect homemade tomato sauce that’s easier than you think. And the best part? You probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen!
Shivi, known for her delicious and approachable recipes, shared her secret with Reach PLC, revealing that butter is the key to unlocking a truly flavorful sauce. She emphasizes how the butter transforms the taste, creating a richness and sweetness that elevates the simple flavors of tomatoes and herbs.
“I did a really simple tomato sauce,” she explained, “I did one really big onion and I sweated that down with butter and olive oil, so it was really caramelized and golden and really sweet. I then added oregano and fresh basil, I threw that in and a tin and a half of chopped tomatoes, and then let that simmer with some salt and some chilli flakes. My mouth is watering, it is so good and it’s a really simple way. It’s the butter, you’re cooking the onions down with the butter and it tastes fantastic, the tomato sauce, a bit of parmesan cheese… heaven.”
Here’s a breakdown of Shivi’s easy-to-follow recipe:
Ingredients:
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* Butter
* One onion, roughly sliced
* Tinned tomatoes
* Any pasta – cook it your way
For the Sauce:
1.
Caramelize the Onion:
Sauté the onion with a generous amount of butter (around a heaped tablespoon) over low heat. Let it soften and sweeten for about 10 minutes, almost caramelizing the onion. A pinch of salt will enhance the flavor.2.
Add the Tomatoes:
Pour in one can of tinned tomatoes.3.
Flavor Boost:
Add a touch of olive oil, dried oregano or fresh basil, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes for a little heat.4.
Simmer to Perfection:
Let the sauce simmer gently. The acidity of the tomatoes will balance beautifully with the sweet, caramelized onions.Shivi shared these tips in anticipation of World Pasta Day, celebrated every year on October 25th. This special day, established in 1995 at the World Pasta Congress in Rome, celebrates the culinary and cultural significance of pasta. It’s a day for enjoying all things pasta, from traditional dishes to innovative creations, highlighting the versatility and global importance of this beloved food.
World Pasta Day is celebrated with events, promotions, and activities around the world. Look out for cooking demonstrations, special pasta menus at restaurants, and educational events about the benefits of pasta.
Ready to celebrate World Pasta Day with a delicious homemade sauce? Follow chef Shivi on social media, @ShiviRamoutar, for more inspiration and culinary delights!