Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a versatile staple in many kitchens, known for its rich flavor and vibrant color. Whether you’re topping a pizza, stirring into pasta, or using it as a base for stews, a homemade tomato sauce takes your dishes to the next level. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a must-try for any home cook. Let’s dive into the delicious world of tomato sauce!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves about 4 people, with a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 45 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Based on one serving (1/4 of the recipe), the nutritional value is approximately 120 calories, 6g fat, 12g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and a good source of vitamins A and C.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly and cutting them into quarters.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Add the quartered tomatoes to the pot and stir well.
6. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reducing the heat to low.
8. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Once the tomatoes are softened, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.
10. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and add fresh basil before serving.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes for a quicker option. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of olive oil for a lighter sauce. Fresh herbs can also be swapped with dried versions, though fresh offers a superior flavor.

Serving and Pairings

This tomato sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, pizza, or as a base for casseroles. It’s also delicious drizzled over grilled vegetables or served alongside bread for dipping.

Storage and Reheating

Store the tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.

Cooking Mistakes

• Not using ripe tomatoes can lead to a bland sauce.
• Overcooking can result in a burnt flavor.
• Skipping the sugar may cause acidity to dominate.
• Forgetting to season can leave the sauce flat.
• Not removing the bay leaf before serving is a common error.

Helpful Tips

• Use a mix of tomato varieties for depth of flavor.
• Add a splash of red wine for extra richness.
• Experiment with spices for a unique twist.
• Let the sauce sit overnight for enhanced flavors.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes are a great alternative and can save time while still providing rich flavor.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken tomato sauce, simmer it for longer to evaporate excess liquid or add a small amount of tomato paste.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Onions, bell peppers, and carrots can be sautéed with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.

How long can I store homemade tomato sauce?

Homemade tomato sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.

What dishes can I use this sauce in?

This tomato sauce is versatile and can be used in pasta, pizza, casseroles, or as a dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Making homemade tomato sauce is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With fresh ingredients and a little patience, you can create a sauce that enhances any meal. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the satisfaction of cooking from scratch!

Tomato Sauce

A versatile and flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, and more.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: tomato sauce, Italian cuisine, homemade sauce, pasta sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

• Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and cut them into quarters.
• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Add the quartered tomatoes and mix well.
• Sprinkle in sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf.
• Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover.
• Let simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the bay leaf and blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
• Adjust seasoning and add fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 2g