Description
This stewed tomato recipe with a vibrant Basil Oil Swirl is a comforting, wholesome, and budget-friendly dish. Simple ingredients create a rich, deeply flavorful stew perfect for quick weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend meals.
Ingredients
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes, San Marzano style recommended
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute), being careful not to brown it.
- Add Tomatoes And Simmer: Pour in canned whole peeled tomatoes (crush them by hand as you add them), dried herbs, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. Stir occasionally. (If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth.)
- Prepare Basil Oil Swirl: While the tomatoes simmer, combine 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 0.25 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper in a small food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and a vibrant green color appears.
- Serve And Enjoy: Taste the stewed tomatoes and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls, and drizzle generously with the fresh Basil Oil Swirl just before serving.
Notes
Opt for quality San Marzano style tomatoes for a sweet, less acidic base. If fresh basil is unavailable, use 0.33 tsp dried basil stirred into the tomatoes. Boost nutrition by stirring in fresh spinach or diced zucchini during the last few minutes of simmering. Serve with whole wheat pasta or brown rice for fiber, or zucchini noodles/cauliflower rice for low-carb. Pair with grilled protein or cannellini beans for extra protein. Use pre-minced garlic or frozen chopped onion to save prep time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Vegetable Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 200 g)
- Calories: 240 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, weeknight, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, healthy, Italian, stewed tomatoes, basil oil, comfort food