Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce

Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce is the perfect example of how simplicity can yield incredibly satisfying results. This rustic, chunky sauce is bursting with vibrant flavours, making it an excellent pairing with a variety of dishes. 

Whether you’re serving it over gnocchi, drizzling it on grilled fish, or using it as a dip, this sauce will quickly become a kitchen staple. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursting with nutritious vegetables, offering a delicious way to enjoy fresh produce.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Why Fresh Tomatoes Make All the Difference in Your Sauce
• How to Bring Out the Full Flavour of Your Sauce
• Versatile Uses for Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce
• Storing and Freezing Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce
• More Tomato & Red Pepper Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Extra-virgin olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, bringing a rich, smooth flavour to the sauce.
• Sweet onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce.
• Carrot: Offers subtle sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Celery stalk: Brings freshness and a mild savoury flavour to the mix.
• Garlic cloves: Enhances the overall savoury profile with its rich, aromatic taste.
• Fresh baby plum tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are the heart of the sauce, providing both body and flavour.
• Red sweet pointed peppers (Romano peppers): Their sweetness and vibrant colour enrich the sauce, adding a unique depth.
• Water: Helps the sauce come together, creating the perfect consistency.
• Sea salt & freshly-ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavours together.
• Fresh basil leaves: Tearing the basil just before adding it to the sauce maximises its fragrant aroma and flavour.

Why Fresh Tomatoes Make All the Difference in Your Sauce

When it comes to making Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce, using fresh tomatoes is key to achieving a vibrant and authentic flavour. Unlike canned tomatoes, which can sometimes have a tinny aftertaste, fresh tomatoes offer a pure, natural sweetness that forms the backbone of the sauce. Baby plum tomatoes, in particular, are ideal because of their firm texture and concentrated sweetness. They hold up well when cooked and create a thick sauce that isn’t overly watery.

The magic of fresh tomatoes lies in their juiciness and acidity. They balance the richness of the olive oil and sweetness of the red peppers. The act of halving them and allowing them to slowly break down in the pan gives the sauce a beautifully chunky consistency. The heat from cooking helps release the tomatoes’ natural sugars, infusing the sauce with a depth of flavour that is hard to replicate with other ingredients.

If you can, try sourcing tomatoes that are in season. These will offer the best flavour and sweetness, especially when paired with other fresh vegetables like peppers and basil. Fresh, in-season tomatoes provide an unparalleled taste that’s a true reflection of the season. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, however, look for high-quality canned varieties with minimal additives.

How to Bring Out the Full Flavour of Your Sauce

The secret to an exceptional Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce lies in how you treat the vegetables during the cooking process. As you start with the onions, carrot, celery, and garlic, the key is to cook them gently. You want these vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness without taking on any colour. This process, known as sweating, forms the base for a deeply flavoured sauce. Sautéing them in extra-virgin olive oil enhances their flavours and helps them meld together beautifully.

After the vegetables are soft, the addition of fresh tomatoes is where the sauce starts to really come alive. Halving the baby plum tomatoes and letting them cook until their juices are released helps concentrate the flavours. The sweet red peppers, sliced thinly, then join the mix. They lend a smoky, sweet flavour that makes the sauce more complex and rounded.

Once everything is simmering together, the real magic happens. You’ll want to simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes, allowing the flavours to deepen and thicken slightly. Adding a splash of water helps loosen the mixture, making it easier to coat gnocchi or any other dish you choose to serve it with. The final step of tearing in fresh basil just before serving elevates the sauce further, contributing a fresh, aromatic finish.

Versatile Uses for Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce

Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce is incredibly versatile, working wonderfully with a variety of meals. Here are some simple ways to really make the most of it:

• When paired with gnocchi, the tender, pillowy dumplings soak up the sauce, creating a dish that’s satisfying yet light. 
• If you’re looking for a more substantial option, this sauce can also serve as the perfect base for pasta. The chunky texture pairs well with spaghetti or rigatoni, allowing the sauce to cling to the noodles and create a delightful mouthful in every bite.
• If you’re not a fan of gnocchi or pasta, try it with baked cod or any other mild fish. The sweetness of the tomato and red pepper sauce pairs beautifully with fish, adding depth and enhancing its natural flavours without overpowering them. 
• For a heartier option, the sauce works great with roasted vegetables like aubergine or courgette. Its light yet rich texture makes it adaptable, whether you’re looking for a vegan dish or something with a bit of dairy.

Storing and Freezing Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce

One of the best features of Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce is its ability to be stored and enjoyed later. If you find yourself with leftovers, you can easily store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Simply reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or vegetable stock to loosen the consistency if needed.

If you want to keep the sauce for longer, it freezes well too. Once cooled, portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to two months. To defrost, place the container in the fridge overnight, and when you’re ready to use it, reheat on the stove. Freezing and reheating the sauce will not compromise its flavour, making it a great option for meal prep.

More Tomato & Red Pepper Recipes

If you just can’t get enough of the flavours in this Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce, here are some more recipes for you to try:

• Cod with Tomato & Red Pepper Sauce: Tasty cod fillets in a chunky, rustic tomato and sweet red pepper sauce bursting with flavour. 
• Tomato & Red Pepper Gnocchi: Tomato & Red Pepper Gnocchi is a dish that brings together pillowy gnocchi and a hearty, flavour-packed sauce made from fresh, vibrant ingredients.
• Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup: This warming, vegan Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup is delicious, healthy and incredibly easy to make. You simply roast the vegetables with seasonings, and blend everything together with a basil-infused stock.

See how I make all these recipes and more over on my Instagram!