Smoked Tomato Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• 3 cups roma tomatoes, halved
• 7 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons wood chips
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup caramelized chopped onion

Directions

1. 1

   Make an aluminum foil "basket" that fits on the top of your smoker rack and allows clearance between the top of the basket and the lid and sides of the smoker.

2. 2

   Place the tomatoes, whole garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup fresh basil in the basket. Drizzle with olive oil.

3. 3

   Place 2 to 4 Tablespoons of wood chips in the bottom of your smoker. (I use Apple for this). Assemble smoker according to manufacture's directions.

4. 4

   Place smoker on burner on high.

5. 5

   Cover when wisps of smoke begin to rise, and cook 45 to 60 minutes on medium low.

6. 6

   Remove from heat, keep covered an additional 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Uncover. Remove the basil and throw it out. (It is bitter and has given all it's flavor out).

8. 8

   Remove the garlic pods. If you didn't peel them, squeeze the soft garlic out of the peel. Put the garlic into a medium bowl and mash it with a fork.

9. 9

   Carefully tilt the aluminum basket into the small bowl and pour the liquid into the bowl (about 1/2 cup of tomato juices).

10. 10

    Chop the tomatoes and add them to the bowl. Add the remaining 1/2 cup fresh basil, the caramelized onions and salt. Taste and add additional salt if needed. (We used a pinch of smoked salt and it was amazing).

11. 11

    If you prefer a smoother sauce, puree some or all with your blender or food processor.

12. 12

    Serve over cooked pasta with some grated fresh parmesan.