This tomato sauce recipe is a staple in most Italian homes, it is basically a mixture of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and spices. This versatile red sauce can be used in many different dishes, It can be used as a dipping sauce for bread, a topping for pizza, or put on pasta dishes like this pasta with vegetables. It can also be used to make Spanish rice, on eggs, stews, soups, and more.
Tomato sauce is a versatile sauce for many recipes, plus, it’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time. Having this sauce handy makes it really easy to add great flavor to your food and it can be made in many different ways.
Some people love to make their tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes while others prefer to use canned tomatoes for tomato sauce. Others may like their sauce to be thick and chunky, while some prefer the smooth and thinner version. Ultimately, it’s up to you how you want to make your sauce for your home, and there’s no wrong way to do it! This recipe for tomato sauce is perfect for canning! It’s made with fresh tomatoes and the resulting sauce is very thick and tasty.
There are a variety of dishes that go well with tomato sauce. Some of our favorites include spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parmesan, chicken skewers, stuffed shells, chicken parmesan, and roasted vegetables.
You can learn how to make homemade tomato sauce from scratch which is naturally delicious and dump the storebought version which is sometimes thickened with starch (such as cornstarch or flour) or gelatin. You can make this tomato sauce recipe with canned tomatoes or with fresh tomatoes and it will still turn out great.
For this tomato sauce recipe, I used fresh tomatoes and I made the sauce from scratch; however, you can make your own sauce with roasted tomatoes if that is what you prefer.
If you make a large batch of this sauce you can decide to can it, as this homemade tomato sauce recipe is perfect for canning! It’s a delicious, basic sauce that can be used in so many different ways. Plus, canning tomato sauce is a great way to save money and have a delicious pantry staple on hand at all times.
This easy tomato sauce recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious, hearty sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a simple tomato sauce recipe for pasta or something that is a little more adventurous, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try, it is a really quick and easy way to add a fantastic flavor to your meal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist on this classic sauce.
Related: Pasta sauce recipe
Ingredients for tomato sauce recipe
- 1 kg of fresh tomatoes, you can also use 2 canned diced or whole tomatoes
- 1 cup red onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp o dried basil
- 2 sticks of celery
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Optional ingredients
- Freshly chopped basil or oregano
- Grated parmesan cheese
- A splash of red wine
- Red pepper flakes
- Sugar
- Finely diced carrots
What is this tomato sauce made of?
Fresh tomatoes
When it comes to making a good tomato sauce recipe, fresh tomatoes are always my go-to ingredient. I specifically love to use Roma tomatoes as my best choice. If you want a truly authentic Italian tomato sauce, then you need to use Roma tomatoes.
These tomatoes are plum-shaped and have a meaty texture which makes them perfect for cooking down into a delicious sauce. They also have very few seeds, so you won’t end up with a watery sauce. These types of tomatoes have a naturally sweet flavor that is well balanced by their acidity, and this is what gives tomato sauce its characteristic taste. It doesn’t have to be only Roma tomatoes, other tomatoes like cherry tomatoes are also great for making sauces.
Basically, fresh tomatoes are generally affordable, and flavorful and they don’t have any of the additives that can be found in some of those canned tomatoes. However, if you can’t find quality fresh tomatoes in season make sure to use good quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for your tomato sauce
Onions
Onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to tomato sauce. It also adds sweetness and a rich, savory taste. It is a common ingredient that adds volume and helps to thicken the sauce as well. I used red onion in this tomato sauce recipe because that was what I had on hand. However, if you have yellow or white onion you can simply use that. Try cooking the onion longer until they are slightly caramelized, this will add an even greater depth of flavor to your sauce.
Garlic cloves
I personally love fresh minced garlic in sauces and this tomato sauce recipe is not exceptional. Fresh garlic cloves add a unique flavor to tomato sauces that you cannot get from jarred garlic or garlic powder. The taste of fresh garlic is more pungent and slightly sweet, which compliments the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly. Plus, it adds a pleasant aroma to your tomato sauce. You can always use garlic powder if you don’t have the fresh one handy.
Celery stalks
Celery stalks can absolutely be added to tomato sauce! Just dice them up and saute them with the onions, they will soften as the sauce cooks and add a lovely flavor to it. If you’re looking to add some extra veggies to your sauce, celery is a great option.
Basil
Basil and tomatoes are a classic flavor combination. The sweetness of the tomatoes compliments the earthiness of the basil. This combination is delicious on its own, but it can also be used as a base for other flavors. Basil has a mildly sweet flavor with hints of mint and cloves and when used in tomato sauces, it adds depth of flavor to it. I used dried basil for this tomato sauce recipe but you can use fresh basil if that is what you have.
Oregano
Oregano is a fantastic herb to use in tomato sauce. Not only does it add a great deal of flavor, but it also has many health benefits. It has a strong, pungent flavor that can really enhance the taste of tomato sauce.
Extra virgin olive oil
When it comes to tomato sauce, olive oil is the key to creating a rich and flavorful dish. The oil helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a smooth texture. Make sure to use good-quality olive oil for a richer flavor.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds a little bit of heat to the sauce plus it has a nice fragrance that blends with other seasonings. If you like your sauce to be on the spicy side you can try using a combination of black and red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Salt
Salt is also a very important ingredient in this tomato sauce recipe; you can use any type but I personally prefer kosher salt because it has a milder taste than regular table salt. Just be sure to taste your sauce as you go, so you don’t end up with an overly salty dish at the end.
How to make homemade tomato sauce recipe
Start by boiling some water in a pot, add the fresh tomatoes and blanch them for 1 to 2 minutes.
Remove the tomatoes from the hot water and place them in a bowl of chilled water or an ice-water bath to discontinue the cooking process.
Peel the tomatoes to remove the skin then cut in half and core them. If you like you can take out the seeds but it does add texture to the sauce.
Add the tomatoes to your food processor or blender and purée the tomatoes until they are smooth, adding a little bit of water if needed.
Heat up 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan or in a large pot, add the chopped onions, and sauté for 3 minutes or until they are soft. Then add the minced garlic and chopped celery stalks, and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Next, add the tomato puree, stir and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, season with salt and pepper, basil, oregano to taste.
Cook it over medium heat for about 30 minutes or you can cook it on low heat for 1 hour if you have enough time until it thickens up.
Once you are happy with the taste and the consistency of the tomato sauce, it is ready, remove it from the heat, and enjoy your homemade tomato sauce over your favorite pasta dish or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
What’s the difference between tomato puree and tomato sauce?
Tomato purée is a thin red paste made from blended cooked tomatoes. It is used as a base for tomato sauces, soups, and stews. While tomato sauce is a thicker mixture that also includes tomato paste or puree, spices, and herbs. Additionally, tomato sauce is simmered for a longer period of time than puree, which results in a deeper flavor and consistency.
Can I make tomato sauce from tomato paste?
Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomato sauce, so, you can easily make this recipe for tomato sauce from tomato paste. All you need to do is add some water to the tomato paste to help thin it out. You can proceed to cook it in a little amount of olive oil and also add other seasonings to it, such as garlic, onion, and herbs to create a more complex flavor profile. Just simmer the tomato paste with the other ingredients until it reaches your desired consistency.
Do you have to peel tomatoes for sauce?
It is really not necessary to peel tomatoes for sauce? The skin of a tomato is actually quite thin and delicate, so peeling it is really not necessary. However, many people do prefer to peel their tomatoes for sauce, as it gives the sauce a smoother texture. If you do decide to peel your tomatoes, the best way to do it is to blanch the tomatoes first in boiling water for a few minutes. This will make the skins easier to remove by hand.
How do you add flavor to tomato sauce?
There are endless ways to add flavor to tomato sauce. You can start by using good tomatoes. If you can find fresh, ripe tomatoes, that’s ideal. But even canned tomatoes can be great for sauce, as long as they’re of good quality.
Secondly, don’t be afraid to add some aromatics like onion, garlic, and carrots. Make sure to first sauté the vegetables in hot oil to help release their natural aroma and sweetness. Then, you can add herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. All of these add vital flavor to tomato sauce, making it rich and satisfying. So be sure to add them in early in the sauce so they have time to infuse the sauce with their goodness.
How do you thicken fresh tomato sauce?
There are a few different ways that you can thicken fresh tomato sauce. One way is to cook it down until there is less water in the sauce. This will make the sauce thicker and more concentrated. Another way to thicken tomato sauce is to add some tomato paste to it.
Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated form of tomato sauce that is often used as a substitute for tomato sauce. It adds body and thickness to your dish.
Also, tomato sauce can also be thickened with some flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder These ingredients will absorb some of the liquid in the sauce and make it thicker. Make sure to whisk in a spoonful or two of flour/cornstarch into the sauce and continue to cook until the desired thickness is reached.
You can add some chopped vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or even cooked ground meat to the sauce to help thicken it up. If you love your sauce a bit on the filling side, try adding cooked pasta or rice to the sauce to bulk it up and make it more filling.
Finally, you could also try adding some grated parmesan cheese to your sauce. Not only will this add flavor, but the cheese will also help thicken the sauce as it melts into it.
Why does my homemade tomato sauce taste bitter?
There are a few reasons why your homemade tomato sauce might taste bitter. It could be that the tomatoes you used were not ripe enough. When tomatoes are not ripe, they contain higher levels of a compound called tomatine, which can make the sauce taste bitter. Another possibility is that you did not cook the sauce long enough. Tomato sauce needs to be cooked for a long time in order to allow the flavors to meld and develop. If you find that your sauce is still tasting too bitter, cook it for a longer period of time before serving.
Another reason could be that you allowed the sauce to cook for too long, hence it started burning at the bottom of the pot.
Next time, try using riper tomatoes and cook the sauce for less time to see if that helps. If not, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes before adding the tomatoes to the sauce.
You can also add a bit of sugar to the sauce to help sweeten it. This will help to offset the bitterness and give the sauce a little sweetness. Another method is to add some acidity to the sauce in the form of vinegar or lemon juice. This will help to brighten up the flavor and take away some of the bitterness.
Can you cook tomato sauce for too long?
If you cook tomato sauce for too long, it can become burnt and bitter. To avoid this, keep an eye on the sauce as it cooks and removes it from the heat when it reaches the desired consistency. The key to great tomato sauce is to cook it long enough to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes, but not so long that it becomes burnt and bitter.
Sugar would only mask that flavor. So, if you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian tomato sauce recipe, don’t add sugar. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not to add sugar to your tomato sauce.
you can always start with a small amount and then adjust as needed.
How do you sweeten tomato sauce naturally?
To sweeten tomato sauce naturally without adding sugar to it, you can try using carrots and sweet red bell peppers in your tomato sauce. Both vegetables are high in natural sugars and offer a sweetness that can complement the acidity of tomatoes.
You can start by adding 2 medium chopped or shredded carrots together with the onions and sautee in a saucepan. After the carrots have cooked for a few minutes, add the pureed or diced red bell peppers with the tomato puree and cook. Season the sauce to taste and let it simmer until it’s thickened and the vegetables are soft.
You don’t have to combine both carrots and bell peppers to sweeten the sauce, I sometimes use bell peppers without the carrots and the sauce turns out great. Simply combine bell peppers together with the fresh tomatoes to blend to have a really thick mixture. Cook the mixture in the oil and season it as you desire. This usually results in a sweet and flavorful tomato sauce.
How long to cook tomato sauce?
For any tomato sauce recipe, cook time will vary depending on how concentrated you want the sauce to be. If you’re looking for a quick and easy tomato sauce, cook it for 15- 20 minutes. For a thicker and more concentrated sauce, cook for 30-45 minutes or even up to 1 hour. The goal is to cook the sauce down until it is thick enough that it will coat the back of a spoon. This will allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to reduce by half but without being burnt.
If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you may need to cook the sauce for a longer time. This will help to soften the tomatoes and release their flavor. However, if you’re using canned tomatoes, you can easily get away with cooking the sauce for just a few minutes. This will help to preserve the flavor of the tomatoes.
What tomatoes are best for sauce?
There are many different types of tomatoes that can be used for sauce, but some are better than others. For a classic tomato sauce recipe, you’ll want to use Roma tomatoes. They are less juicy than other types of tomatoes, and they are known for their meaty texture and low water content. This makes them ideal for creating a thick, flavorful sauce. They won’t make your sauce watery.
If you’re looking for a more robust flavor, try using San Marzano tomatoes. These Italian tomatoes are known for their sweetness and depth of flavor. Finally, if you want a truly unique tomato sauce, try using heirloom tomatoes. These older varieties of tomatoes have a complex flavor that will make your sauce stand out from the rest. Cherry tomatoes may be small, but they pack a big flavor punch! Their sweetness makes them a great addition to any tomato sauce recipe.
Should you cook tomato sauce covered or uncovered?
There are two schools of thought when it comes to cooking tomato sauce: covered or uncovered. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you cook your sauce covered, it will take longer to reduce and thicken. However, it will also be moister and have a richer flavor. If you cook your sauce uncovered, it will reduce more quickly but may become quickly dried.
One advantage of cooking tomato sauce covered is that it prevents the formation of skin on the surface of the sauce. This can happen if the sauce is exposed to too much heat, causing the water to evaporate and leaving behind a concentrated layer of tomato paste. Covering the sauce helps to trap moisture so that the sauce doesn’t dehydrate and form skin.
Another advantage of cooking tomato sauce covered is that it allows the flavors to meld more fully. The main disadvantage of cooking the sauce covered is that it takes longer to reduce. If you’re short on time, cooking your sauce uncovered may be the better option. Be sure to keep an eye on it though, as uncovered sauces can reduce too quickly and become overly dry.
Is it OK to leave seeds in tomato sauce?
Tomato sauce can be made with seeded tomatoes, so the seeds are perfectly fine to leave in. The seeds will add a nice amount of thickness to the sauce. And your sauce also tends to be less watery when the seeds are left in.
However, if you want to get a smooth, seedless final product then, by all means, take the extra step of removing the seeds before blending your tomatoes. But if you don’t mind a little texture from the seeds, or if you actually enjoy their flavor, then there’s no need to go through the hassle of taking them out. This really comes down to personal preference.
How do you get the seeds out of homemade tomato sauce?
If you want to remove the seeds from your tomatoes before making sauce, there are a few different methods you can use. One popular method is to cut the tomatoes in half and then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Another option is to put the tomatoes through a food mill or strainer in order to separate the seeds from the pulp. You can also give your sauce an extra smooth texture by pureeing it in a blender or food processor once it’s cooked.
Do you have to peel tomatoes?
You don’t have to peel the fresh tomatoes for this tomato sauce recipe, although you can if you want to; but it does result in a smoother, more refined sauce. If you are looking for a quick and easy sauce, then you can skip the peeling step. However, if you have the time and want to create a more sophisticated sauce, then peeling the tomatoes is definitely worth the effort.
If you do decide to peel them, the most common method is to score the tomatoes with a sharp knife and then blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute. Remove the tomatoes from the water and allow them to cool slightly before slipping off the skins. You can also blanch the tomatoes first before coring them, it all depends on which step is faster for you.
Another method is to roast the tomatoes in a hot oven (400-450 degrees F) for 10 minutes or so. This will loosen the skins and make them easier to remove. Simply slip off the skins after roasting and proceed with your recipe
How long does homemade tomato sauce last?
Tomato sauce freezes really well, so if you have made a big batch of tomato sauce or want to save some for later, it can keep in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it in portions and defrost it as needed. Simply pop it in the freezer in an airtight container and it will be fine for 3 to 4 months.
Recipes with tomato sauce
- Roasted chicken thighs in tomato sauce recipe
- Meatballs with tomato sauce
- Eggplant with tomato sauce recipe
- Baked lasagna
- Hungarian beef goulash
- Shrimp in tomato sauce
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- meatloaf in tomato sauce recipe
- Spaghetti with tomato sauce
- Tomato sauce for gnocchi
- Mussels in tomato sauce
- Chicken with spaghetti recipe
- Egg poached in tomato sauce
- Chili recipe
There are many things that go well with tomato sauce. Some of the most popular include pasta, Grilled chicken, grilled fish, and roasted beef, pasta primavera. Also, there are endless possibilities when it comes to what to serve this sauce. One option is to keep it simple and just have a bowl of tomato sauce with some freshly baked bread on the side. Other options include
Tomato sauce recipe
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 kg fresh tomatoes you can also use canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup red onions finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 sticks celery chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
Optional ingredients
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil or oreganoSugar
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- splash of red wine
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ to 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup carrots finely diced
Instructions
Blanch the fresh tomatoes in hot water
- Start by boiling some water in a pot, add the fresh tomatoes and blanch them for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove the tomatoes from the hot water and place them in a bowl of chilled water to discontinue the cooking process.
- Peel the tomatoes to remove the skin then cut in half and core them. If you like you can take out the seeds but it does add texture to the sauce.
- Add the tomatoes to your food processor or blender and purée until they are smooth. Make sure to add a little bit of water if it is too thick.
Cook the tomato sauce
- Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan or in a large pot, add the chopped onions, and sauté for 3 minutes or until they are soft. Then add the minced garlic, chopped celery sticks and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Next, add the tomato puree, stir and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, season with oregano, basil, pepper, and salt to taste.
- Cook it over medium heat for about about 30 minutes or up to 1 hour if you have enough time until it thickens up. Make sure to stir the sauce occasionally as it is simmering.
- Taste for salt and adjust other seasonings as necessary. Once it is ready, It should be thick enough that it will coat the back of a spoon.
- Once you are happy with the taste and the consistency of the tomato sauce, it is ready, remove it from the heat, and enjoy your homemade tomato sauce over your favorite pasta dish or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Video
Notes
How to freeze tomato sauce
Freezing tomato sauce ensures you enjoy the flavor of homemade sauce even during the winter months, Below are a few simple steps on how to do that.- Let the sauce cool completely. This is important because putting the hot sauce into the freezer will raise the freezer’s temperature and could potentially cause other food to thaw.
- Once the sauce is cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can use plastic freezer bags or reusable containers specifically designed for freezing food to store it.
- Label the container with the date so you know when you froze it. This sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen tomato sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Options for canning tomato sauce
This homemade tomato sauce recipe is easy to make and can be canned for later use. It’s a delicious, healthy way to enjoy fresh tomatoes all year long.- First, you’ll need to gather your supplies. You’ll need canning jars with lids and rings, a boiling water canner, a large pot, a spoon, and a funnel. You’ll also need an ingredient for acidification. This could be white vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid.
- Wash your jars and lids in hot, soapy water and rinse well. Then, sterilize the jars by submerging them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Put the lids in the boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Now it’s time to make the tomato sauce according to the recipe above. Once it is cooked and thickened, remove it from the heat and cool it completely.
- Ladle the sauce into the clean jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove the water or the dripping sauce. Place lids on the jars and screw on the rings until they are tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes. Remove them from the canner and let them cool on a towel or rack.
- Store canned tomato sauce for up to 6 months.
Other variations
- Roasted tomato sauce
- Marcella hazan tomato sauce
- Italian tomato sauce recipe
- Canned tomato sauce recipe
There’s nothing like a homemade tomato sauce recipe using fresh tomatoes. This recipe for tomato sauce is easy to follow and yields a delicious, zesty sauce that can be used on pasta, pizzas, or as a base for stews and soups.