There’s nothing quite like the rich, comforting aroma of Homemade Tomato Sauce simmering away on the stove. The balance of fresh basil, sweet onion, and just the right hint of garlic brings out the very best in simple, wholesome tomatoes. This recipe takes you straight to rustic Italian kitchens, whether you’re slathering it over pasta, spooning it onto pizza, or swirling it into casseroles. Once you make your own, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for store-bought!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity: every ingredient is purposeful, delivering flavor and freshness that builds a lovely, velvety sauce. Let’s walk through each item you’ll need, along with some helpful tips on making every component shine.
- Olive oil: Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to start your sauce off with richness and depth of flavor.
- Onion: A small, finely chopped onion adds a natural sweetness and soft texture as it cooks down in the oil.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic lends essential savory notes, infusing the sauce from the very beginning.
- Whole peeled tomatoes: Canned San Marzano tomatoes, if you can find them, are ideal for their sweetness and low acidity.
- Salt: Seasoning is crucial! Salt brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle bite that enhances the savory notes of the tomatoes.
- Sugar (optional): Just a touch counteracts any bitterness if your tomatoes need balancing.
- Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that rounds out the sauce with deep, earthy flavor.
- Dried basil: This dry herb supports and amplifies the fresh basil you’ll add in at the end.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who appreciate a whisper of heat, toss these in.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the color and infuses a concentrated, rich tomato taste.
- Fresh basil: Stir in a handful just before serving for that unmistakable burst of freshness and color.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready and Sauté the Base
Drizzle the olive oil into a large saucepan and warm it gently over medium heat. When it begins to shimmer, add in your finely chopped onion. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent. At this moment, your kitchen will start to smell amazing! Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute or two. You’ll want the garlic to bloom and release its fragrance without letting it brown.
Step 2: Transform the Tomatoes
Open up those cans of whole peeled tomatoes and pour them right into the pan, including all the juices. If you’re a hands-on cook, crush the tomatoes with your hands for a rustic texture—or use a spoon if you prefer. This step creates the hearty foundation of your Homemade Tomato Sauce.
Step 3: Season and Enhance
Now it’s time for all the seasoning magic! Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and, if you like, a bit of sugar to gently sweeten things up. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you enjoy spice. Stir in the tomato paste, which adds color and extra depth.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, turn the heat down so it’s just barely blipping away. Let it cook uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir now and then to ensure nothing sticks. The sauce will reduce and thicken, the flavors mingling and deepening as they go. If you like your sauce super smooth, an immersion blender at the end works wonders.
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil for a Burst of Flavor
Right before you’re ready to serve, toss in the chopped fresh basil and give it a final stir. You’ll see its vibrant green color pop and smell its unmistakable freshness brighten up the sauce. This final touch truly elevates your Homemade Tomato Sauce.
How to Serve Homemade Tomato Sauce
Garnishes
For a beautiful, fragrant finish, sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil or even flat-leaf parsley on top. If you eat cheese, a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino melts right into the sauce. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can give it a glossy sheen and an extra layer of richness.
Side Dishes
Homemade Tomato Sauce truly shines partnered with classic al dente spaghetti, tangle it into linguine, or spooned over pillowy gnocchi. It also loves the company of crusty bread (perfect for mopping up every last drop), simple salads, or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not try layering it in a lasagna, using it as the base for a rustic pizza, or swirling it into baked casseroles? This sauce also makes a delicious dipping partner for mozzarella sticks or garlic knots. With Homemade Tomato Sauce in hand, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extra sauce into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors deepen after a day or two, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
Homemade Tomato Sauce freezes like a dream. Let the sauce cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay flat for efficient storage, and you’ll have quick, homemade flavor on hand for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge (if frozen) or pop the container right into a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. It’s as flavorful as the day you made it!
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Blanch and peel about four pounds of ripe tomatoes, then chop them and use just as you would the canned. You might need to simmer the sauce a little longer for the right consistency, but the flavor is beautifully fresh.
Is this sauce spicy?
By default, Homemade Tomato Sauce has just a background warmth from the red pepper flakes. If you like things mild, simply omit them. For spicier results, add more or try a pinch of cayenne.
Can I make this sauce without onion or garlic?
Certainly! While onion and garlic create a classic flavor backbone, feel free to leave them out if you’re sensitive or want a plainer tomato-forward sauce. Maybe add extra basil or oregano to boost herbal notes.
What’s the best way to puree the sauce?
For a rustic, chunky texture, skipping the blending is perfect. If you prefer a smoother Homemade Tomato Sauce, an immersion blender is the easiest, but a countertop blender (in batches, and be cautious with hot liquids) works, too.
How can I use leftover sauce?
Leftover Homemade Tomato Sauce is culinary gold! Use it as a base for soups, homemade pizza, baked eggs, stuffed peppers, or freeze in small portions to add instant Italian flavor to any meal down the road.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve poured a ladleful of this Homemade Tomato Sauce over your favorite pasta or dipped warm bread into its rich depths, you’ll see how rewarding it is to make from scratch. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill up with the tastes and scents of Italy—your future self will thank you!
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Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 5 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make a delicious homemade tomato sauce that is perfect for pasta, pizza, or any dish that calls for a flavorful tomato base. This classic Italian sauce is easy to prepare and bursting with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook Aromatics: Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add whole peeled tomatoes, salt, black pepper, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend (Optional): Use an immersion blender for a smoother sauce.
- Finish: Stir in fresh chopped basil before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use as a base for pasta, pizza, or casseroles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
