Spanish Cuisine
Quick Tomato Sauce with Smoked Paprika
This quick tomato sauce is a true secret of Spanish cuisine, allowing you to give any dish a distinct Mediterranean profile in a matter of minutes. The combination of ripe crushed tomatoes with the deep, smoky aroma of smoked paprika creates a powerful base that is ideal for stewing rice, baking meat, or as a base for various tapas. Due to its versatility and rich taste, this sauce will become an indispensable assistant in the kitchen, turning even the simplest ingredients into exquisite dishes with a Spanish temperament.
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Recipe overview
- Total time
- 1 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cuisine
- Spanish Cuisine
Nutrition
per serving
- Calories
- 75 kcal
- Protein
- 1.5 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Carbs
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Step by step
Method
- 01
Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add finely chopped onion and co…
Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute, making sure it doesn't burn.
- 02
Add the smoked paprika to the onion and garlic, stir and heat…
Add the smoked paprika to the onion and garlic, stir and heat for 30-40 seconds. This step allows the spices to release maximum aroma and flavor.
- 03
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, stir, and reduce heat to low
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, stir, and reduce heat to low. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens and acquires a deep, rich flavor.
Dishday
Useful advice
Cooking tip
For the best flavor, first gently heat the smoked paprika in olive oil along with minced garlic for 30-40 seconds so it maximally releases its aroma before pouring in the tomatoes. Try not to overheat the paprika over high heat, so it doesn't acquire a bitter aftertaste.
How to serve
Use this sauce hot as a base for paella, casseroles, or as a base for stewing meat and seafood. It also works wonderfully as a dip for potatoes or fresh bread.
How to store
The sauce stores perfectly in the refrigerator in a sterile glass jar for up to 5 days. It can be frozen in portions in small containers, which greatly simplifies meal planning for the week ahead.
Note
This sauce is a modular base. If you want to make it spicier, add a pinch of hot chili pepper or a drop of sherry vinegar at the end of cooking to balance the acidity.
