Creamy Tomato Sauce with a Czech Twist

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, diced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 200 ml (3/4 cup) sour cream 200 ml (3/4 cup) sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and sugar to the pan, stirring well to combine.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.
5. 5.
   Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the tomato mixture until smooth.
6. 6.
   Return the sauce to the pan and stir in the paprika, dried marjoram, and caraway seeds.
7. 7.
   Simmer the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
9. 9.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Serve the Rajská omáčka over pasta, meat, or as a dip.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Sour cream — Make sure to whisk the sour cream gradually into the sauce to prevent curdling. If you prefer a milder tang, you can use regular heavy cream instead.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the sauce after blending to remove any tomato seeds or skin.
• Rajská omáčka can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop even further.

Serving advice

Serve the Rajská omáčka over cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a comforting and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for an extra burst of freshness. Pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

When serving Rajská omáčka, drizzle a swirl of sour cream on top of the sauce for an elegant touch. Sprinkle some paprika or dried marjoram over the dish to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a large plate to showcase the vibrant red color of the sauce.