Roasted Tomato Sauce

Roasted Tomato Sauce

Roasted Tomato Sauce is a flavorful, versatile condiment that has been cherished across cuisines for centuries. Its roots can be traced to Italian cooking, where it’s traditionally paired with pasta or pizza. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while adding a slightly smoky depth to the flavor. This sauce is easy to customize, from a smooth pureed texture to a chunkier version for hearty dishes. Fun fact: Tomatoes were once called "love apples" and believed to have aphrodisiac properties!

Health Benefits for Gastroparesis

1. Easily Digestible Texture: Roasting and pureeing the tomatoes make this sauce smooth and gentle on the stomach.
2. Rich in Lycopene: Roasting enhances the bioavailability of lycopene, an antioxidant that supports overall gut health and reduces inflammation.
3. Low in Fiber (when strained): Straining the sauce removes seeds and skins, making it suitable for those with gastroparesis.
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Olive oil and roasted garlic contain compounds that help reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
5. Hydration Support: Tomatoes have high water content, which aids hydration while being light on the stomach.

Cooking Time/Duration

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information and Calories:

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	80 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	7 g
Fiber	1 g
Fats	4 g
Vitamin C	30% of RDA
Lycopene	12 mg

Serves

4 (makes about 2 cups of sauce)

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Ripe tomatoes	6 large
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Garlic cloves	3, unpeeled
Onion, quartered	1 medium
Fresh basil leaves	1/4 cup
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste

Basic Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and halve the tomatoes.
3. Peel and quarter the onion. Keep the garlic cloves unpeeled.
4. Gather all ingredients for roasting.

Detailed Recipe and Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare for Roasting:
   • Arrange the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking tray.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
2. Roast the Vegetables:
   • Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Blend the Ingredients:
   • Allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly.
   • Peel the garlic and transfer all roasted ingredients to a blender. Add fresh basil leaves. Blend until smooth.
4. Strain the Sauce (Optional):
   • For a smoother texture, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and skins.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to enhance the flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Cool and Store:
   • Let the sauce cool before storing it in an airtight container.

Texture, Color, Smell, Taste, and Thickness

Aspect	Description
Texture	Smooth and velvety
Color	Deep red with caramelized tones
Smell	Rich, smoky, and herby
Taste	Sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky
Thickness	Medium, pourable consistency

How to Serve

Serve this Roasted Tomato Sauce warm or chilled, depending on the dish. Pair it with pasta, use it as a pizza base, or as a dip for breadsticks. It can also be drizzled over roasted vegetables or used in casseroles for added flavor.

Final Words

Roasted Tomato Sauce is a simple yet luxurious addition to any meal. Its gastroparesis-friendly properties, bold flavors, and versatility make it a staple for healthy cooking. Whether you’re dressing up your pasta or adding a touch of homemade goodness to your pizza, this sauce is sure to impress. Try it today and savor the rich, roasted taste!