Salsa de Tomate Casera
Dive into the rich and comforting flavors of homemade 'Salsa de Tomate Casera,' a versatile tomato sauce crafted entirely from scratch. This traditional recipe features juicy ripe tomatoes, caramelized onions, garlic, and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, creating a harmonious base that’s perfectly balanced with herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. A touch of tomato paste and sugar intensifies its natural sweetness while simmering brings all the flavors together into a thick, velvety sauce. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, it’s a kitchen staple that’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is your ticket to mastering authentic, homemade tomato sauce.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 small carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Slice a small 'X' at the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water on the side. Once boiling, carefully add the tomatoes to the pot for 1-2 minutes or until you see the skin starting to peel away at the 'X'.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tomatoes immediately to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel off the skins and chop the tomatoes roughly. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic, finely chopped carrot, and diced celery to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly, which will enhance the flavor.
Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Pour in the water or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan and stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.
Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then use as desired, or store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer-term storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
89 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.8 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 347 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.5 g | ||
| Protein | 2.2 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 37 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 482 mg | 10% | |
*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.
