Bell Pepper Pasta Sauce
When it comes to quick and flavorful pasta sauces, why not try something a little different? Bell Pepper Pasta Sauce is a vibrant and delicious twist on the traditional tomato-based pasta sauce. Packed with the sweet and slightly tangy flavors of bell peppers, this sauce is sure to become a new favorite in your household. It’s a simple yet impressive dish to serve on a busy weeknight or to impress guests with its bright colors and bold taste.
**Bell Pepper Pasta Sauce**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 bell peppers (choose a variety of colors for a visually appealing sauce)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by roasting the bell peppers. Preheat your oven broiler. Cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds, and flatten them onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Place the peppers under the broiler until the skin is charred and blistered, turning occasionally for even roasting. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
2. Remove the peppers from the oven and immediately transfer them to a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the peppers steam for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to peel off the skins.
3. Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and chop the flesh into small pieces.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the roasted bell peppers to the skillet and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
6. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Serve the bell pepper pasta sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Bell Pepper Pasta Sauce is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or incorporate other herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor dimensions. This sauce is also perfect for meal prep – double the recipe and freeze the extra portions for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner in the future. Enjoy the colorful and cozy flavors of this bell pepper pasta sauce with your loved ones!