Transform your everyday meals with this rich and flavorful Homemade Tomato Sauce, a true celebration of fresh, ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients like garlic, onion, basil, and oregano, this homemade classic achieves a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy notes thanks to a touch of sugar and red pepper flakes. The recipe uses time-tested techniques like blanching tomatoes for easy peeling and a slow simmer for deep, robust flavors. Perfect for pairing with pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce, this versatile recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Plus, itβs surprisingly easy to store and enjoy throughout the week! Whether you're looking to level up Italian night or create a comforting homemade dish, this tomato sauce will become your go-to favorite.
Begin by preparing the tomatoes. Score a small 'X' on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and carefully lower the tomatoes into the water. Blanch them for about 30 seconds, then quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool.
Once the tomatoes are cooled, peel the skins off using your fingers or a small paring knife. Cut the peeled tomatoes in half and squeeze gently to remove the seeds. Chop the peeled and deseeded tomatoes into small chunks and set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, along with any juice that collected from cutting, into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Season the sauce with salt, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for extra thickness and depth of flavor.
Reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Midway through cooking, add the chopped basil leaves and dried oregano. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld together.
Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness and flavor, remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve immediately with your favorite pasta, or let cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Calories |
749 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.7 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2487 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 109.6 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.0 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 67.4 g | ||
| Protein | 22.8 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 295 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 8.6 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 5431 mg | 116% | |
*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.