Tomato Base xo Recaudo

Recaudo is Spanish for collection, a collection of basic spices that will help enhance any dish. The aroma of recaudo takes me back to my summer days visiting my family in Mexico, a childhood memory that I cherish greatly. You can add a variety of herb blends to this tomato base to accommodate the flavor profile of the dish you are preparing.

Ingredients

10 Roma tomatoes
½ white onion
3 garlic cloves

3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Aromatics
See note below.

Directions

• Blend the tomatoes, onion, and garlic into a smooth puree. Strain tomato base. Heat olive oil and cook the mixture on low. Season to taste. If you want to add a specific flavor profile, now is the time to add your aromatics of choice and simmer the mixture in a saucepan for 15 minutes.

• Let it cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You may freeze it for 1 month.

• Tip: To keep the integrity of the red color of the sauce, you don’t want to blend the herbs with the base. Add them when you are simmering the mixture. Add aromatics of choice.

Aromatics *Choose one flavor profile.*
Italian–basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley
Mexican–cilantro, chile seco, Mexican oregano
French–herbs de Provence
Middle Eastern–allspice, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cumin, coriander