Description
Sizzling Mediterranean magic meets classic comfort in this zesty Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce, blending bright citrus notes with rich, silky butter. Drizzled over pasta or seafood, each spoonful promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ⅓ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion or shallots
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by gently heating olive oil in a medium skillet, then delicately sauté minced garlic and diced onion until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce cherry tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to gently break down and release their natural juices. Stir periodically, creating a softened and slightly caramelized texture for 5-7 minutes.
- Enhance the sauce’s depth by incorporating tomato paste, stirring vigorously to integrate and develop rich flavor profiles. Pour in broth and fresh lemon juice, creating a harmonious liquid foundation.
- Allow the mixture to simmer and gradually reduce, concentrating the flavors and slightly thickening the sauce consistency. This process will take approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Transition to low heat, carefully incorporating chilled butter cubes. Whisk methodically, ensuring each cube melts smoothly without causing the sauce to separate or boil.
- Elevate the sauce’s brightness by adding vibrant lemon zest. Season judiciously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to personal preference.
- Finish the sauce with an optional sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil, providing a final aromatic touch. Serve immediately while the sauce maintains its velvety, glossy texture.
Notes
- Gentle sautéing prevents burning aromatics, ensuring a sweet and soft flavor foundation for the sauce.
- Use ripe, fresh cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor burst and natural sweetness in the sauce.
- Chilling butter before whisking helps create a smooth, glossy emulsion without breaking or separating the sauce.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity based on personal taste preference, balancing tartness with rich buttery undertones.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Sauce
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg