Decadence on a Dime: Easy Breezy Spicy Tomato Sauce

By Kate Thompson, Dallas, Texas

It’s Monday, and I don’t know about you but I need a pick-me-up. I want something healthy but filling/hearty/delicious (I try to save Mexican food for the weekend). This spicy tomato sauce comes from Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, CA. Their entire menu is healthy and delicious and this easy sauce is no exception. This sauce is a mainstay in my house. The ingredients are simple and cheap, but the sauce itself is extremely versatile. I serve this over fish, vegetables or pasta, that is if I can keep from eating it right out of the pot as its cooking. It’s that good.

3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

½ large yellow onion, chopped

3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

½ cup dry red wine

1 (15 oz) can diced Italian plum tomatoes with juice

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

½ tsp red pepper flakes, to taste

Salt and pepper

In a medium sauce pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking and stirring until onion and garlic begin to caramelize, about 4 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, oregano and basil (and pour yourself a glass of wine). Bring to a simmer and then cook, uncovered, until thickened. 10 to 15 minutes. Season to taste with red pepper, salt and pepper.

Serve immediately. The sauce can refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze for 3 weeks. My favorite way to serve this sauce is over pan seared tilapia and steamed broccoli. It’s a very healthy, but hearty dinner.