This aromatic puree is designed to be a base ingredient and is a great way to build flavor and texture without adding fat. It eliminates the need to add a lot of butter and cream to Macaroni and Cheese with a Crusty Crunch (page 174), for instance. You can stir it into just about any sauce or soup for a fat-free flavor punch.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 cup

　　1 large Vidalia onion, roughly chopped

　　9 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

　　1/2 cup water

　　Salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　

Step 1

Combine the onion, garlic, and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 10 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Pour the mixture into a blender and blend until it is completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours.

　　

nutrition information

Step 3

Fat: NA (before), 0.3g (after)

　　

Step 4

Calories: NA (before), 85 (after)

　　

Step 5

Protein: 3g

　　

Step 6

Carbohydrates: 19g

　　

Step 7

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 8

Fiber: 3g

　　

Step 9

Sodium: 594mg

　　Now Eat This by Rocco DiSpirito. Copyright © 2010 by Rocco DiSpirito. Published by Random House Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Hailed as the "Leading Chef of his Generation" by Gourmet magazine, Rocco DiSpirito received the James Beard Award for his first cookbook, Flavor. He went on to author Rocco's Italian-American (2004), Rocco's Five Minute Flavor (2005), Rocco's Real-Life Recipes (2007), and Rocco Gets Real (2009). DiSpirito also starred in the Food Network series Melting Pot, the NBC hit reality series The Restaurant, and the A&E series Rocco Gets Real.