Summer never really came to Berlin this year. It’s been cloudy and rainy and I haven’t worn shorts in weeks. Which makes it all the more important to cook (well, there’s not much “cooking” here) foods that taste like summer and somehow manage to create sunshine all on their own.
I found this on the site of another Berlin based food blogger and knew I had to try it. Sweet and tangy, it’s perfect for a main course or side. Just remember to serve it with spoons or extra bread. That way you can at least appear civilized as you desperately slurp the gorgeous nectar at the bottom of your bowl.
Raw Tomato Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This raw tomato sauce is a sweet and tangy delight, perfect for showcasing the flavors of ripe summer tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small bunch basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons (about 20g) capers (optional)
- 8 ripe, in-season tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a pan over low heat.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic and capers (if using) to the pan. Cook slowly for about 5 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not brown.
- Turn off the heat and add the basil leaves to the oil.
- While the oil is cooling, chop the tomatoes into small pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Pour the cooled garlic, caper, and basil oil over the tomatoes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Let the mixture marinate for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the sauce with pasta or as a topping for bread, making sure to include spoons or extra bread to enjoy the flavorful juices.
Notes
For best results, allow the sauce to marinate overnight to fully develop the flavors. Serve with spoons or extra bread to enjoy the juices. This sauce can be used as a pasta topping or as a dip with bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0

This is a great way to “revisit” a classic dish.
I will certainly try it in the next few days.
While the weater ihere is not as bad as it seem to be in Berlin, having another fresh sauce to pour on the pasta is always welcome.
I’m rating it as a 5 even before trying it. Just reading the recipe is enouph to know that is it going to be tasteful and delicious.
Thanks for sharing it.