Spiced Tomato Sauce
Easy spiced tomato sauce for brisket, shrimp, rice. Quick stovetop recipe using canned or fresh tomatoes and simple spices.
Pairs perfectly with smoked brisket. Also try serving over rice, or with shrimp!
Recipe By: Lily K. Noel
- Simple stovetop sauce: sauté onion and garlic, deglaze with white wine, then simmer tomatoes with spices until thick.
- Use canned or peeled fresh tomatoes; adjust crushed red chiles and sugar to control heat and acidity.
- Make ahead and freeze in portions; reheat gently and adjust salt before serving.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the sauce less or more spicy?
To reduce heat, use less crushed red chile, remove seeds, or add a pinch more sugar. To make it hotter, add more crushed red chile, a pinch of cayenne, or a few turns of black pepper.
Can I skip the white wine?
Yes. Replace the wine with a splash of vegetable or chicken broth, or use water with a little vinegar or lemon juice for brightness. The wine just adds depth, so you can omit it if you prefer.
Should I use canned or fresh tomatoes?
Canned crushed tomatoes give consistent flavor and are quicker. If using fresh, peel, seed and chop them first and simmer a bit longer so the sauce reduces and concentrates.
How long do I simmer the sauce?
Simmer uncovered on low until it reaches your desired thickness, usually 20 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally and taste to adjust seasoning.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer it longer to reduce and thicken. You can also stir in a little extra tomato paste or mash some tomatoes for body. Avoid thinening with flour or cornstarch unless you want a different texture.
Is this sauce vegan?
Yes, the ingredients are plant-based. If you want to be sure, choose a wine labeled vegan or omit the wine and use broth or water instead.
What are good ways to serve this sauce?
It pairs with smoked brisket, rice, shrimp, pasta, polenta, or grilled vegetables. Finish with fresh parsley and a grind of tellicherry or black pepper for brightness.
How can I make the sauce less or more spicy?
To reduce heat, use less crushed red chile, remove seeds, or add a pinch more sugar. To make it hotter, add more crushed red chile, a pinch of cayenne, or a few turns of black pepper.
Can I skip the white wine?
Yes. Replace the wine with a splash of vegetable or chicken broth, or use water with a little vinegar or lemon juice for brightness. The wine just adds depth, so you can omit it if you prefer.
Should I use canned or fresh tomatoes?
Canned crushed tomatoes give consistent flavor and are quicker. If using fresh, peel, seed and chop them first and simmer a bit longer so the sauce reduces and concentrates.
How long do I simmer the sauce?
Simmer uncovered on low until it reaches your desired thickness, usually 20 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally and taste to adjust seasoning.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer it longer to reduce and thicken. You can also stir in a little extra tomato paste or mash some tomatoes for body. Avoid thinening with flour or cornstarch unless you want a different texture.
Is this sauce vegan?
Yes, the ingredients are plant-based. If you want to be sure, choose a wine labeled vegan or omit the wine and use broth or water instead.
What are good ways to serve this sauce?
It pairs with smoked brisket, rice, shrimp, pasta, polenta, or grilled vegetables. Finish with fresh parsley and a grind of tellicherry or black pepper for brightness.
Comments