Tomato sauce is a cornerstone of countless dishes in cuisines around the world, from classic Italian pasta dishes to hearty stews and soups. While store-bought varieties offer convenience, there’s something truly special about making your own fresh tomato sauce from scratch. Not only does it allow you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking, but the aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is unmatched.
Ingredients :
- 2 cans (400g each) of peeled tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Fresh basil leaves, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- Chopped parsley, to taste
How To Make Homemade Fresh Tomato Sauce
- Heat a medium to large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, rosemary, butter, and olive oil to the pot. Sauté until the ingredients begin to brown, ensuring they don’t burn.
- Reduce the heat and carefully add the canned tomatoes and sugar to the pot. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
- Allow the mixture to simmer until it reaches the desired thickness, resembling a thick sauce. This may take around 20-30 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from the heat.
- Serve the fresh tomato sauce with torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- Enjoy your flavorful homemade tomato sauce!
Note: This recipe yields approximately 500 ml of sauce. Leftovers can be stored in plastic containers and frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw and use within the recommended timeframe to maintain optimal flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or bay leaves to add complexity to the flavor profile of your sauce.
- Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Extra Veggies: Enhance the sauce with additional vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- Creamy Texture: For a creamier texture, blend the sauce with an immersion blender or food processor after it has cooled slightly.
- Extra Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
How to Store:
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Label the containers with the date and contents.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Simply blanch, peel, and dice about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes to replace the canned tomatoes in the recipe. - Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. - Can I omit the sugar?
The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. However, if you prefer a sauce without added sugar, you can omit it or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. - Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes, you can make the sauce vegan by omitting the butter or substituting it with a vegan butter alternative. The flavor may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch of sauce. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a larger pot if needed.
Homemade fresh tomato sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re using it as a base for pasta dishes, spreading it on pizza, or incorporating it into soups and stews, its vibrant flavor and aroma will elevate any meal. With this simple recipe and handy tips, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the incomparable taste of homemade tomato sauce in no time.