Tomato Sauce Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling pot of homemade Tomato Sauce, filling your kitchen with the happiest aromas and promising endless mealtime possibilities. This classic recipe is as simple as it is satisfying, striking the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and gently herby notes. Whether you’re twirling spaghetti, topping a homemade pizza, or spooning it over roasted vegetables, this Tomato Sauce recipe is the reliable secret to elevating everyday dishes with pure Italian flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Tomato Sauce from scratch is a revelation—every ingredient shines through, and it’s astonishing how such a humble list can create such vibrant flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each one matters for the ultimate sauce experience:
- Olive oil: Sets the stage with a rich, peppery base and helps bloom the flavors of onion and garlic beautifully.
- Onion (finely chopped): Provides gentle sweetness and subtle texture, allowing your sauce to feel both robust and smooth.
- Garlic (minced): Packs a punch of aromatics, bringing warmth and depth that classic Tomato Sauce is known for.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces): The heart of the sauce—choose high-quality for a fresh, bright tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a touch of umami richness.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors and balancing acidity.
- Black pepper: Adds a little gentle heat and underlines all the other notes without overpowering the sauce.
- Sugar (optional): Just a teaspoon tames any lingering tomato tang, especially if your tomatoes are particularly acidic.
- Dried oregano: Brings the classic, earthy herbaceousness that makes this sauce so quintessentially Italian.
- Dried basil: Lends a subtle, fragrant sweetness that ties the ingredients together.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for those who love a little tickle of spice in their Tomato Sauce.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds a pop of color and fresh, lively notes.
How to Make Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the finely chopped onion and let it gently soften for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the onions start to turn translucent and release their sweetness, add in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. The air will be filled with a cozy, garlicky aroma—this sets a flavorful foundation for your Tomato Sauce.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. This quick step helps caramelize the tomato paste slightly, drawing out its deep, concentrated tomato flavor and giving your sauce a heartier taste.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together, making sure the tomato paste is nicely distributed. Sprinkle in your salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. If you notice your tomatoes are a bit tart, this is the perfect moment to add that teaspoon of sugar—it softly rounds out the flavors without making the sauce sweet. Give it a good stir to combine all the goodness.
Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavor
Bring the Tomato Sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot to keep those splatters in check, and let it gently bubble away for 20–25 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld and deepen, transforming a handful of ingredients into the best version of themselves. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure a silky consistency.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs
When your sauce has reached a luscious, slightly thickened texture, turn off the heat and stir in a generous spoonful of fresh parsley or basil if you have it on hand. This last flourish infuses the Tomato Sauce with brightness and makes it feel extra special—just like something you’d get at a cozy trattoria!
How to Serve Tomato Sauce
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or even a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan will make each serving of Tomato Sauce pop with color and flavor. Don’t overlook a drizzle of olive oil or a dash of cracked black pepper for a little extra magic at the table.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Sauce is the best friend of pasta, of course—but don’t stop there! Try spooning it over warm, crusty bread as a rustic starter, serving alongside grilled chicken, or pairing with fluffy rice or polenta for a satisfying, saucy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow the crowd? Try baking eggs shakshuka-style right in the Tomato Sauce, using it as a dipping sauce for crispy mozzarella sticks, or ladling it into individual ramekins topped with toasted breadcrumbs and cheese for an irresistible snack or appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Tomato Sauce (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, and the flavors actually deepen after a night’s rest, making it even better the next day!
Freezing
Tomato Sauce is a meal-prep superstar! Freeze cooled sauce in zip-top bags (laid flat for easy stacking) or in airtight freezer containers. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three months. Just remember to label with the date!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour your Tomato Sauce into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened up a bit in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water to loosen it. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe tomatoes can make an incredible Tomato Sauce, especially during peak season. Just blanch, peel, and crush about 2 pounds of tomatoes to use in place of the canned ones.
How can I make the sauce smoother?
If you love a silky-smooth Tomato Sauce, just give it a quick whirl with an immersion blender right in the pot, or blend in batches using a regular blender. Remember to cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters.
What if my sauce tastes too acidic?
No worries! A teaspoon of sugar added during simmering can help mellow out the sharpness. You can also stir in a small pat of butter at the end for a creamier, richer finish.
Is this Tomato Sauce gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, this Tomato Sauce is naturally gluten-free and vegan as written, making it a great option for just about any dietary need or occasion.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Definitely! You can easily scale this Tomato Sauce recipe up for a big batch (perfect for meal prep) or cut it in half if you’re cooking for one or two. Just adjust the simmering time slightly to ensure perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this easy, homemade Tomato Sauce a try—it’s one of those joyful kitchen rituals that never gets old. With so much flavor, versatility, and heart in every spoonful, you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe as often as I do!
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Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 2 cups) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This homemade Tomato Sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various dishes, this easy-to-make sauce will elevate your meals with its rich and aromatic blend of ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly.
- Combine ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Add sugar if needed.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish and serve: Stir in fresh herbs before serving, if desired. Enjoy this delicious sauce with your favorite dishes!
Notes
- This sauce is great for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a base for other recipes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
