(not) Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

By Beth Moncel

A quick and easy tomato sauce that tastes like it's made with expensive sun dried tomatoes, but it's not!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup olive oil ($0.64)
• 1 clove garlic, minced ($0.08)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano ($0.03)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil ($0.03)
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme ($0.02)
• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary ($0.02)
• a pinch crushed red pepper ($0.02)
• 10-15 cranks freshly cracked pepper ($0.02)
• 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
• 3 oz. tomato paste ($0.27)
• 1/2 tsp honey ($0.02)

Instructions

1. 1

   Add the olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, crushed red pepper, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper to a small skillet. Stir and heat the mixture over low heat for about 3 minutes. It’s okay if it sizzles slightly, but you don’t want it to get hot enough that the herbs burn.

2. 2

   Add the tomato paste and honey. Allow it to heat through as you stir. It will not form a smooth sauce. Continue to stir and heat over low for about 5 minutes or until you notice the tomato paste has darkened slightly. Either use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use!