Tomato Pesto Gravy

Transform your meals with the irresistible charm of Tomato Pesto Gravy—a rich and flavorful sauce that combines the robust essence of crushed tomatoes with the aromatic flair of basil pesto. This quick and versatile recipe balances savory and slightly sweet notes, enhanced by optional heavy cream for added indulgence and a hint of sugar to tame the tomatoes' natural acidity. Perfectly simmered with sautéed onions, garlic, and a splash of vegetable broth, this silky gravy can be customized to suit various dishes, from pasta and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser garnished with fresh basil for an elegant finishing touch. Your go-to comfort sauce awaits!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium (finely chopped) yellow onion
• 3 large (minced) garlic cloves
• 15 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier texture)
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and mix well.

Step 5

Add the basil pesto and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar (if needed).

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

If a creamier texture is desired, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	929.2 grams (929.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	953

Total Fat 71.90g	92%
Saturated Fat 22.20g	111%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 78mg	26%
Sodium 2589mg	113%
Total Carbohydrate 65.50g	24%
Dietary Fiber 12.60g	45%
Total Sugars 33.90g
Protein 18.30g	37%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 401mg	31%
Iron 6mg	35%
Potassium 2325mg	49%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.9%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 26.7%