Fresh crushed tomatoes: a recipe with basil and olive oil

Le crushed tomatoes This is a simple and delicious homemade preparation, ideal for enriching your vegetable, pasta, or meat dishes. This recipe combines ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, creating a fragrant and nutrient-rich base. Quick and easy to make, this tomato puree retains fiber and natural antioxidants. It provides a smooth texture while delivering beneficial nutrients. Follow this guide to make the perfect tomato puree, rich in flavor and goodness.

Recipe for crushed tomatoes

Practical information

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 500g of ripe tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 sprig of fresh basil
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper

Home

• Saucepan or frying pan
• Knife well sharpened
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Steps for preparing crushed tomatoes

Prepare the ingredients

1. Wash the tomatoes and remove the stem.
2. Cut them into large cubes.
3. Mince the garlic and finely chop the basil.

Cooking the crushed

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan or frying pan.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes without burning it.
3. Incorporate the diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat, stirring regularly to obtain a thick slurry.

Seasoning and finishing

1. Add the salt, pepper and chopped basil.
2. If desired, lightly crush the tomatoes with a spoon to obtain a finer crush.
3. Remove from heat and use hot or warm depending on the preparation.

Tips for making perfect crushed tomatoes

Choosing the right tomatoes

The success of a tomato concassé depends largely on the choice of tomatoes. It is recommended to use meaty, low-water varieties such as Roma, San Marzano, Beefsteak, or Marmande. These tomatoes offer a dense flesh that holds its shape well during cooking and allows for a balanced texture. Avoid overly juicy tomatoes, as they will make the concassé too watery.

Prepare the tomatoes properly

For a successful tomato concassé, the tomatoes should be roughly chopped to maintain a texture with visible pieces. Removing the skin is preferable for a smoother, more pleasant result. To peel them, you can briefly plunge them into freshly run water before cooling them in an ice bath.

Manage the cooking with precision

The cooking should be gentle and even to allow the tomatoes to lower Naturally. Cooking over medium heat, stirring regularly, prevents the crushed tomatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Leaving the container partially uncovered allows excess water to evaporate and helps achieve a thick, smooth texture.

Measure the garlic and herbs carefully

Garlic should be used sparingly so as not to overpower the tomato flavor. A single clove is usually enough to flavor the entire dish. Fresh basil should be added towards the end of cooking to preserve its properties and aroma, as adding it too early risks diminishing its flavor.

Tips for tasting and storing crushed tomatoes

Optimal tasting

Crushed tomatoes are best enjoyed after a short resting period, allowing the flavors to meld. Served warm or at room temperature, they fully reveal the balance between the natural acidity of the tomato, the sweetness of the olive oil, and the aromatic notes of garlic and basil. This preparation maintains a pleasant texture with melting pieces, making it easy to incorporate into many everyday dishes.

Adapted support

Crushed tomatoes are a perfect accompaniment to plain pasta, white rice, or semolina, adding moisture and freshness. They can also be paired with cooked vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant or potatoes, serving as a base or complement. In traditional cooking, it is often used to accompany white meats or fish, where it acts as a binder while providing nutrients from the tomatoes and... aromatic herbs.

Storage in the refrigerator

Crushed tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container. It is important to let them cool completely before refrigerating them to preserve their texture and nutritional qualities. Proper storage limits oxidation and maintains the freshness of the ingredients.

Store in the freezer

For longer storage, crushed tomatoes can be frozen in small portions. This method allows for easy reuse as needed, without altering their fiber or key nutrients. Thaw slowly, preferably in the refrigerator, then gently reheat to restore a smooth texture.

Variations of crushed tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes with sweet onions

This version involves integrating sweet onions Finely slice the onions at the beginning of cooking so they slowly soften with the tomatoes. About 100g of onions is enough to add a touch of sweetness and a rounder texture without overpowering the main flavor. This variation remains close to the original recipe while offering a more balanced and slightly creamier result.

Crushed tomatoes with peppers

The addition of peppers This method enriches the crushed tomatoes with a naturally sweet note. It is recommended to use approximately 150g of finely diced red or yellow bell peppers, added after the tomatoes have cooked for a few minutes. They will gradually blend into the mixture, enhancing the texture while still retaining some visible pieces.

Crushed tomatoes with garlic

For a more pronounced flavor, you can increase the amount of garlic to two finely minced cloves. This variation enhances the beneficial compounds in garlic and adds a more intense flavor, while remaining balanced by the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. This version is particularly appreciated as a sauce base.

Crushed tomatoes with herbs

Besides basil, other herbs can be added to subtly modify the flavor profile. A few sprigs of thyme A small pinch of oregano added during cooking provides a more rustic note. It's important to use it sparingly so as not to overpower the main flavor of the tomato.

Benefits of crushed tomatoes

Benefits of the tomato

Tomatoes form the base of the crushed tomato and provide natural antioxidants, including... lycopeneIt is known for its protective role on cells. It also contains fiber, which contributes to healthy bowel function and regulates digestion. The minerals present, such as potassium, help maintain fluid balance and support muscle and cardiovascular function.

Benefits of garlic and basil

Garlic is known for its sulfur compounds, which support the immune system and help reduce certain types of inflammation. It also contains prebiotics that promote a healthy balance of gut flora. Basil provides antioxidants and natural oils that contribute to digestive well-being and help alleviate post-meal discomfort.

Benefits of olive oil

Olive oil is a source of quality fats, essential for the proper functioning of the body. It contributes to the protection of the cardiovascular system and facilitates the absorption of certain compounds found in tomatoes, particularly provitamin A. Used in moderation, it contributes to the overall nutritional balance of the recipe while supporting metabolism.

Summary of the crushed tomato recipe

Ingredients

• 500g of ripe tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 sprig of fresh basil
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper

Preparation steps

1. Wash the tomatoes, remove the stem and cut into large dice.
2. Mince the garlic and finely chop the basil.
3. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan or frying pan.
4. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper and basil.
7. Lightly crush to obtain a homogeneous texture.
8. Remove from heat and use hot or warm.

Conclusion

Crushed tomatoes are a simple and accessible preparation that easily finds its place in everyday cooking. Making them at home allows you to fully enjoy the nutritional qualities of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil, while having complete control over the ingredients. The various possible variations offer great freedom to adapt them to your tastes, the seasons, and the dishes you're serving, without ever compromising the basic recipe. Practical, balanced, and versatile, crushed tomatoes are a reliable culinary base, ideal for enriching many dishes with natural ingredients.

FAQ

Which tomatoes should be used to make a successful crushed tomato dish?

To make a successful crushed tomato sauce, it's best to use meaty, low-water-content tomatoes. The most suitable varieties are Roma, San Marzano, Beefsteak, and Marmande, as their dense flesh holds up well during cooking. These tomatoes allow you to achieve a balanced texture, with well-defined pieces and a natural reduction without excess water.

How do you cook crushed tomatoes without burning them?

Maintaining a gentle simmer over medium heat and stirring regularly is essential. Allowing the water from the tomatoes to evaporate slowly helps achieve a good consistency while retaining some moisture.

How to crush tomatoes?

To chop tomatoes, start by washing them and then cutting them into quarters. Remove the seeds if there are many, then roughly chop the flesh with a knife. This will give you irregular pieces that retain the fruit's texture.

Do you need to crush the tomatoes before making crushed tomatoes?

Yes, it's recommended to lightly crush the tomatoes for a concassé. Using the back of a wooden spoon helps release the juice while maintaining a slightly thick texture.

What are the health benefits of crushed tomatoes?

It provides natural antioxidants from tomatoes, notably lycopene. Garlic and basil contribute to healthy digestion and help strengthen the immune system. Olive oil promotes the absorption of certain nutrients and contributes to a balanced lipid intake.