Nanny'S Tomato Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: Southern

Nanny's Tomato Sauce offers a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for pairing with peas and okra, enhancing simple dishes with homemade freshness and vibrant taste.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. tomatoes
  • sugar
  • oil (canola, vegetable)
  • vinegar

Instructions

  1. Plunge tomatoes in boiling water for approximately 2 minutes to loosen skins.
  2. Peel tomatoes and chop them.
  3. Heat oil in an iron skillet and add the chopped tomatoes.
  4. Add sugar and vinegar to taste.
  5. Cook the mixture down until it becomes a thick paste.
  6. Adjust sweetness and acidity by adding more sugar and/or vinegar as desired.
  7. Serve the sauce on top of black-eyed peas, purple hull peas, or crowder peas.
  8. It is also good with boiled okra.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using fresh, ripe heirloom tomatoes. If you need an alternative to sugar, honey or agave syrup can work well to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust the vinegar based on the type of dish you’re serving this sauce with; a bit more vinegar enhances the flavor when paired with black-eyed peas.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is delightful served over black-eyed peas, purple hull peas, or crowder peas, making it a perfect accompaniment for a comforting Southern meal. It also complements boiled okra beautifully. For a quick meal, consider pairing it with a simple salad dressed with Old Fashioned French Dressing.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the tomato sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its consistency. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portion-sized containers.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nanny'S Tomato Sauce contains roughly 1005 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 113g fat.

1005 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0g
Total Fat 113.4g 100% DV
Carbs 0.6g
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1.1mg
Potassium 6.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1mcg
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Calcium 0.8mg
Iron 0mg
Diet fit Keto-friendly

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned tomatoes can be used if fresh ones are not available. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes without added preservatives. Drain excess liquid before using them in the recipe, and adjust cooking time as necessary, as canned tomatoes may break down faster.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To add heat to your sauce, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference. This will give the sauce a nice kick without overpowering the tomato flavor.

What dishes can I use this sauce with?

In addition to black-eyed peas and okra, this versatile sauce can be used as a base for pasta dishes, drizzled over grilled meats, or even as a dipping sauce for bread. It also works well with vegan recipes, enhancing the flavor of roasted vegetables.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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