Smoky Tomato Sauce

By lorik

This is an all purpose sauce that picks up a smoky flavor and aroma from the wood chips. Try it with any dish calling for tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 cups hickory wood chips, soaked 30 minutes, drained
• 1 1/2 lb globe tomatoes, halved crosswise, seeded
• 1 onion, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• black pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare grill for indirect grilling, heating one side of the grill to medium heat and keeping the other side unlit to reach a temperature of 400. Brush grill grates with oil. Place soaked wood chips in a smoker box (or aluminum foil pouch) over direct heat. Cover grill until smoke appears, about 5 minutes.

Toss tomatoes and onion with 2 Tbsp oil. Smoke tomatoes and onion over unlit side, covered, until soft but not mushy, 15-20 minutes. Transfer tomatoes and onion to a cutting board, let cool, then chop.

Puree tomatoes, onion, broth and garlic in food processor or blender until smooth. Transfer tomato mixture to a saute pan and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer. Stir in tomato paste, salt and paprika; simmer until thick, 5 minutes. Off heat, stir in basil, vinegar and season with peper.