Garden Tomato Sauce
Capture the vibrant flavors of summer with this Garden Tomato Sauce, a homemade recipe that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. This sauce is a labor of love, starting with perfectly blanched and peeled tomatoes to preserve their juicy freshness. Sautéed yellow onion, garlic, and grated carrot create a flavorful base, while fresh basil and oregano add layers of aromatic depth. A pinch of sugar balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes, and the optional red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat for those who crave a little kick. Simmered to perfection in just under an hour, this versatile sauce is the ideal complement to pasta, pizza, or any dish that calls for a robust, garden-fresh tomato flavor. It's a simple, wholesome recipe that's perfect for meal prep, freezing, or sharing with family and friends.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium (finely chopped) yellow onion
- 4 cloves (minced) garlic cloves
- 1 small (grated) carrot
- 6 large leaves (chopped) fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon (chopped) fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Start by preparing the tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Using a sharp knife, make a small 'X' incision at the bottom of each tomato. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the tomatoes in for 30-60 seconds, or until the skins start to loosen.
Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel off the skins, then chop the tomatoes finely, reserving any juices.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and grated carrot to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and their juices. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the fresh basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Remove the sauce from the heat. If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree it, or transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth.
Serve your garden tomato sauce over freshly cooked pasta, as a pizza topping, or as a base for other recipes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
534 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.5 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2442 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.2 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.1 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.3 g | ||
| Protein | 12.4 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 227 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 2667 mg | 57% | |
*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.
