Pineapple Pasta Sauce | Flirt Recipes

Ingredients

• For the Sauce Base:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely diced (or canned pineapple tidbits, drained)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from fresh pineapple or canned)
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• For the Aromatics and Seasoning:
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional, if pineapple isn't sweet enough)
• Optional Additions:
• 1/4 cup heavy cream for a creamy version
• 8 oz pancetta or bacon, diced and crisped (for non-vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon rum (for tropical depth)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving