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Rustic Tomato Sauce with Cardamom

This tomato sauce is made by simmering ripe regional tomatoes with aromatics and a touch of cardamom, resulting in a thick, flavorful sauce with a rustic appearance. The cooking process involves gentle simmering to meld the ingredients and develop a rich, vibrant flavor, culminating in a slightly chunky texture with a glossy finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Regional
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ripe regional tomatoes preferably heirloom or heirloom-varieties
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom freshly ground if possible
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 pinch sugar optional, to balance acidity

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Start by washing the ripe tomatoes, then roughly chop them into chunks. This helps them break down more easily as they cook.
  2. Warm a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Let it warm until it shimmers slightly and you can smell the fragrant aroma.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden around the edges.
  4. Bring the chopped tomatoes to the pot, and stir to coat them in the garlic and oil. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture sizzle for a minute, releasing a rich tomato aroma.
  5. Sprinkle the ground cardamom over the tomato mixture and stir well to distribute the spice evenly throughout the sauce.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, then let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the tomatoes will break down, and the sauce will thicken and deepen in color.
  7. After about 30 minutes, taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed. If the sauce tastes too tangy, stir in a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
  8. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove it from heat. The final texture should be rustic and slightly chunky with a glossy surface.
  9. Serve the hot, fragrant tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, roasted vegetables, or as a flavorful base for other dishes. Enjoy the comforting aroma and vibrant, homemade flavor.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spice levels according to your taste. This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and reheated gently.