Fresh Tomato Sauce
Transform your favorite dishes with the vibrant flavors of homemade Fresh Tomato Sauce, a simple yet satisfying recipe made from juicy, ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Bursting with freshness, this sauce combines sautéed onions, minced garlic, and torn basil leaves with a touch of olive oil to create a beautifully balanced, naturally sweet and savory base. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of sugar, salt, and optional red pepper flakes for a gentle spice, this versatile sauce comes together in under an hour. Whether ladled over pasta, used as a pizza topping, or paired with a hearty protein, this classic tomato sauce is a must-have kitchen staple that can be stored or frozen for later use. Say goodbye to store-bought jars and hello to the rich, homemade taste of this creamy, customizable classic!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 medium (about 2 lbs) Fresh ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 large, minced Garlic cloves
- 1 medium, finely diced Yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 8 large, torn Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup Water
Instructions
Blanch the tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Use a knife to score a small 'X' on the bottom of each tomato. Place the tomatoes in the boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water. Peel off the skins once they’ve cooled.
Prepare the tomatoes: Cut the peeled tomatoes into quarters, remove the seeds (if desired), and roughly chop.
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, salt, sugar, and black pepper. If you like a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes at this point.
Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Halfway through cooking, stir in the torn basil leaves to infuse the sauce with fresh, aromatic flavors.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or sugar.
Once done, remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. For a smoother sauce, use a blender or an immersion blender to puree it to your desired texture.
Serve the sauce immediately over pasta, pizza, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1785 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.7 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2734 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 306.5 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 90.1 g | 322% | |
| Total Sugars | 197.6 g | ||
| Protein | 68.3 g | 137% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 798 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 23.0 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 17473 mg | 372% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
