A tomato sauce might be one of the easiest things in the world to cook but we all need a cheat now and again. Here are three of the best storecupboard tomato and basil pasta sauces
Dallaglio Tricolore Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Sauce by Sacla
It’s well known that the best food products are endorsed by ex-rugby-players. What’s that? It isn’t it? Well, it should be. Sacla are probably best known for their readymade pestos and Italian antipasti but this pasta sauce was very good indeed. Bright orange in colour and with a creamy, smooth texture, the sauce had just the right amount of sweetness and a pronounced basil flavour.
Best for? Those that fancy a really quick and easy pasta supper - you don’t even need to pre-cook the sauce, you simply stir through hot pasta - and, those that like to indulge. Dallaglio’s had 100 calories more per 100g than our other two sauces.
Lovefood.com tip: Simply stir through pasta or spread onto some puff pastry with sunblushed tomatoes, sliced buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil before baking.
How much? Sacla sauces are available in some of the top supermarkets across the UK (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Asda) and online at www.sacla.co.uk for £2.49 for 300g. If you buy online now you can receive a free recipe book by Lawrence himself.
Napolina Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
Napolina's sauce is a deep red in colour and highly concentrated in flavour. The sauce is thick and has herbs dotted throughout but tomato dominates. It’s probably the most ‘processed’ tasting but is a fair contender.
Best for? The kids (they’ll appreciate the sweet and sour edge) and those on a budget.
Lovefood.com tip: Let this sauce bubble down for an extra five minutes than you would for pasta and it would turn into a good base for homemade pizzas. Get the kids involved and let them choose their favourite toppings.
How much? Until the 23rd of January at Tesco and 31st January at Sainsbury’s you’ll be able to buy a 350g jar of this sauce for just £1.02.
Loyd Grossman Tomato and Basil Sauce
In a quick Twitter poll Loyd Grossman’s sauces came top as a reliable standby tomato sauce, and we can see why. In terms of texture (fairly loose), Loyd’s sauce certainly looked the most homemade: think whole chunks of tomato, diced garlic and lots of herbs. It had a strong garlicky flavour but was well balanced, neither too sweet or too bitter.
Best for? Those that like it simple. It’s a good alternative to making it yourself.
Lovefood.com tip: When heating the sauce up to serve with your pasta, throw in a handful of fresh basil for the last 30 seconds of cooking. Or, combine with diced Mediterranean vegetables in a ratatouille.
How much? Loyd’s sauce can be found in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and The Co-op for around £1.78 for 350g, although Asda are currently selling it for just £1.
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Your store cupboard essentials by Helen Best-Shaw