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Tomato Sauce

Tomato Sauce

This homemade Tomato Sauce recipe teaches you how to create a rich, flavorful sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. Perfect as a base for pasta, pizza, or dips, this classic sauce is versatile, healthier, and full of fresh flavor that elevates any dish.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: About 3 cups (serves 4-6) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Core Ingredients

  • Ripe fresh tomatoes (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water to loosen the skins. Peel, core, and roughly chop the tomatoes to prepare them for cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant without browning.
  3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally to allow the tomatoes to break down and the flavors to meld.
  4. Season and Simmer: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors deepen.
  5. Blend if Desired: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer carefully to a blender to puree. For a chunky, rustic texture, leave it as is.

Notes

  • Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to develop rich, mellow flavors without burning.
  • Peel tomatoes to avoid bitterness and improve sauce texture, but you can leave skins on if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
  • Add a pinch of sugar only if your tomatoes are too acidic to balance the flavor.
  • Add fresh basil near the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and aroma.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: tomato sauce, homemade tomato sauce, fresh tomato sauce, Italian tomato sauce, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, gluten free sauce