Basic Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Tomatoes: 500 grams (about 2 large tomatoes)
2. Red onion: 1 large, chopped
3. Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced
4. Red bell pepper: 1, diced
5. Jalapeño pepper: 1, seeded and diced (for extra spice)
6. Fresh basil: a few leaves, chopped
7. Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
8. Salt: 1 teaspoon
9. Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
10. Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, to adjust acidity)

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare all ingredients by washing, chopping, and seeding as needed.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onions and garlic, and cook until softened.
4. Add the diced red bell peppers and jalapeño peppers, and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Use a blender or food processor to blend the sauce until smooth (or leave it chunky, depending on preference).
7. Return the sauce to the pan, add basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if needed). Adjust seasoning according to taste.
8. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes and serve hot.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approximately 90-120 calories per serving (depending on additional ingredients used)
• Fat: 4-6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 12-16 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Fiber: 3-5 grams (approx.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Spicy and flavorful tomato sauce with a slight kick from the jalapeño peppers.
• Rich in tomatoes, a great source of antioxidants and vitamins.
• Can be paired with various dishes like pasta, chicken, or used as a base for other sauces.

User Comments:

1. "This sauce is so flavorful! The jalapeño gives it a nice kick." - John Doe
2. "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet the result is so impressive." - Jane Smith
3. "Great as a pasta sauce or even as a dip for bread." - Emily Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use ripe tomatoes for a smoother sauce texture.
• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño peppers, or using different types of peppers.
• For a thicker sauce, cook it longer or use a starch like corn starch to thicken it at the end.
• This sauce pairs well with many dishes; experiment with different protein sources or vegetables to create new flavors.