Description
A vibrant, flavorful homemade tomato sauce made from ripe tomatoes, herbs, and garlic—perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. Easy to customize and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, if tomatoes are very acidic)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup water or vegetable broth (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano or basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar if using.
- Stir everything well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in water or broth to reach desired consistency.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or cool slightly and blend in batches in a blender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs.
Notes
- Use vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Skip blending for a chunky, rustic texture.
- Freeze in small portions for convenient use later.
- Add lemon juice or vinegar to increase shelf life in the fridge.
- Use less cooking time for pizza sauce consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
