Introduction
Take your tomato sauce to the next level with the Arteflame grill! By fire-roasting fresh tomatoes and aromatics on the grill, this recipe imparts a smoky depth that enhances the sauce's natural sweetness and flavor. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened)
- 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Light the Arteflame grill by soaking three paper napkins in vegetable oil and placing them under stacked firewood.
- Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop and central grate are ready for cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and halve the tomatoes.
- Drizzle the tomatoes, onion, and garlic with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Grill the Vegetables
- Place the halved tomatoes, onion quarters, and unpeeled garlic cloves on the flat cooktop or center grill grate.
- Grill the vegetables until they are charred and softened:
- Tomatoes: 4-6 minutes per side.
- Onion: About 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Garlic: About 5-6 minutes, turning frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove the vegetables from the grill and let them cool slightly.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
- Peel the garlic cloves and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
- Add the grilled tomatoes, onion, fresh basil leaves, and oregano.
- Blend until smooth or pulse for a chunkier texture, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Simmer and Adjust
- Pour the blended mixture into a pot or skillet on the grill’s cooler edge.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken and deepen the flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.
Step 6: Serve or Store
- Use the tomato sauce immediately over pasta, pizza, or grilled dishes.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for later use.
Tips
- Char is Key: The charred skin of the tomatoes and onions adds a smoky, robust flavor to the sauce.
- Control Acidity: Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
- Consistency: Adjust the thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding a splash of water or stock for a thinner texture.
Variations
- Spicy Tomato Sauce: Add a pinch of red chili flakes during blending for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Sauce: Stir in chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for additional herbal notes.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: Blend in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Garlic-Lovers Sauce: Double the garlic for a bold, garlicky flavor.
- Vegetable-Enhanced Sauce: Grill bell peppers or zucchini alongside the tomatoes and blend them into the sauce for added sweetness and depth.
Pairings
- Pasta: Toss with spaghetti or penne for a classic Italian meal.
- Pizza: Use as a base sauce for your favorite grilled pizza.
- Grilled Proteins: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a smoky, flavorful topping.
- Vegetables: Serve as a dipping sauce for grilled veggies like zucchini or eggplant.
Conclusion
Making tomato sauce on the Arteflame grill transforms a simple classic into a smoky, flavor-packed experience. Whether paired with pasta, pizza, or grilled dishes, this sauce is sure to elevate your meal.
