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7 Delicious Recipes to Make with Passata

Passata, a smooth tomato purée, is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your cooking, bringing rich flavour and vibrant colour to an array of dishes. It’s a staple in many kitchens, especially for creating comforting meals that are both simple and satisfying. Here are seven delightful recipes to get you started with passata.

1. Classic Tomato Sauce

A homemade tomato sauce is a perfect foundation for pasta dishes, pizzas, or even a topping for baked dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500ml passata
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Method:

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the passata, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Serve over pasta and garnish with fresh basil.

2. Passata and Meatball Bake

This hearty meatball bake is a family favourite, combining juicy meatballs and rich tomato sauce for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 500g minced beef or pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 300ml passata
• 150g mozzarella cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, to garnish

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/400°F).
2. In a bowl, mix the minced meat, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them in an oven-safe dish.
4. Pour the passata over the meatballs and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is bubbling. Garnish with parsley before serving.

3. Shakshuka

This Middle Eastern dish, featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce, is perfect for brunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 400ml passata
• 4 eggs
• Fresh coriander, to garnish

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft.
2. Add the garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the passata and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Make four small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each.
5. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the eggs are set. Garnish with fresh coriander.

4. Ratatouille

This classic French dish is a rainbow of vegetables simmered in a tasty tomato sauce, perfect as a main or side.

Ingredients:

• 1 aubergine, diced
• 1 courgette, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 400ml passata
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Olive oil, for cooking
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the garlic, aubergine, courgette, and red pepper, cooking until they begin to soften.
3. Stir in the passata and thyme, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Serve hot or cold as a side dish or main course.

5. Spicy Tomato Soup

A comforting bowl of spicy tomato soup is perfect for chilly days, especially when paired with crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 400ml passata
• 400ml vegetable stock
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Method:

1. In a saucepan, heat some olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the garlic and chilli flakes, cooking for another minute.
3. Pour in the passata and vegetable stock; add sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, then blend until smooth.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

6. Passata Risotto

This creamy risotto infused with passata is comforting and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 300g Arborio rice
• 500ml vegetable stock
• 200ml passata
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, to garnish

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion until translucent.
2. Add the Arborio rice, stirring until the grains are coated in oil.
3. Gradually add the vegetable stock, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed.
4. Once the rice is almost cooked, stir in the passata and Parmesan, cooking for a further few minutes.
5. Season to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve.

7. Tomato and Basil Pizza

Homemade pizza is always a hit, and using passata as the base sauce keeps it simple and delectable.

Ingredients:

• 250g pizza dough
• 200ml passata
• 200g mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 250°C/475°F).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Spread the passata evenly over the base, season with salt and pepper, then add the mozzarella slices.
4. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
5. Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Conclusion

With these seven recipes, you can make the most of passata in your cooking. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, spicy, or comforting, passata provides the perfect tomato base for a variety of delicious meals. Enjoy experimenting and discovering new favourites!

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