Fresh Tomato Sauce
A vibrant and flavorful sauce made from fresh tomatoes, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh ripe tomatoes Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for sauce.
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin for best flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar optional, for depth of flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water.
- Score the bottom of each tomato with a small 'X' using a sharp knife. This will help the skin peel off easily after blanching.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the tomatoes and blanch them for about 30 seconds, or until the skins start to split.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes.
- Peel the skins off the tomatoes. Cut them in half and remove the seeds if desired, then chop them roughly.
Cook the Sauce
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. This step builds the base flavor of the sauce.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot along with salt, pepper, sugar, basil, oregano, and balsamic vinegar (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency. If using a regular blender, allow the sauce to cool slightly before blending in batches.
Final Adjustments
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference.
- Serve immediately over pasta, use as a pizza sauce, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This sauce can also be frozen for longer storage.
Notes
This sauce is versatile and can be customized with additional herbs or spices according to your taste. For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!